BRITISH IMPORTS INTO N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22271, 9 December 1937, Page 10

BRITISH IMPORTS INTO N.Z.

Plea For Removal 0{ Restrictions FOREIGN AGREEMENTS DEPRECATED (FBES9 ASSOCIATION TILIGBAS.) WELLINGTON, December 8. A review of trade and trade relations between Britain and New Zealand and suggestions for further trade expansion were contained in remarks by Mr C. W. Budd, president of the United Kingdom Manufacturers’ and New Zealand Representatives’ Association, at the annual meeting of the asso< ciation to-day. “We have heard it repeatedly stated by the Dominion Government that it is prepared to spend every penny above its interest commitments in the exchange of goods with Britain,” said Mr Budd. “However, I venture to suggest that alter the above interest charges are met this year, there will be a credit balance in favour of the Dominion amounting to between £7,000,000 and £9,000,000. If this is spent on goods from Britain, the necessary goodwill would be maintained. cannot see what is to stop the Dominion from spending this surphrtf in Britain, instead of proceeding to make trade agreements with fordga countries, whose policy is so de. finitely towards economic nationals ism. “Any action such as a quota «| English goods entering this market will surely bring a quota on on? primary produce entering thd United Kingdom market,” he sai& “How could we object to this if w» start it? I sincerely hope no mart will be heard of such drastic and unwarranted action being taken bjf New Zealand. “Only Stable Market” “We have been informed contio* ually about new markets that are available to Dominica traders, but jn practice this prospective trade never seems to even* tuate,” continued Mr Budd. “Tima after time this Dominion is reminded that the United Kingdom is our only stable market, and since trading is the major industiy m Britain, everything possible should be done to facilitate the more free exchange of goods between these two countries and the other Dominions of the Empire. “It has even been said that the duties placed on goods entering the Dominion are necessary because of cheap labour in the United King* dom. Not only has this been convincingly disproved, but we find to our shame that women and children in New Zealand are being drivel back to the milking sheds to provide labour fpr increased production, so that they may be able to purchase the goods necessary to them. The farmer cannot be blamed for this state of affairs, which is a direct result of the artificial restrictions being continually placed on» trddc, “Should any world event cause the value of the produce exported from the Dominion to fall in the markets of the United Kingdom, the effect would be disastrous to this Dominion, and everything possible should be done-at this end to see that actions designed to promote trade with the United Kingdom are such that the resulting prosperity will be mutual,” he added. FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY OF DOMINION MEANS OF PROTECTION BEft’fi INVESTIGATED LFrom Our Parliamentary Reported WELLINGTON, December 8. An indication of the plans of tM Government for assisting the foot* wear industry of the Dominion wto given by the Minister for Finance (the Hon. W. Nash), when reply®* in the House of Representatives todav to an urgent question which » was asked by Mr R. A. Wright (independent, Wellington Suburbs!. .. Mr Wright said that because® the continued slackness m W* the position of boot manufacturer had been, and still was, very crw ' “We are negotiating with theAffitralian Government for a trade agreement with that coimujsaid the Minister. “In regard footwear, in particular, we communicated with the Go , ment of the United KmgdonuJ their representative here, the Commissioner, is now exaxna»» the whole position to see what g. cedure should be followed would be least harmfm to the ted Kingdom, and at the same t®* meet thl desires of the Goverg** to protect the footwear industry New Zealand.”