N.Z. PRODUCE IN ENGLAND

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22304, 19 January 1938, Page 13

N.Z. PRODUCE IN ENGLAND

i i | STRONG COMPETITION j DEVELOPING | MR A. J. MURRAY’S i OBSERVATIONS Mr A. J. Murray, of Woodbank, Marlborough, has been spending some time in Great Britain, where he has made close observations and has come in contact with leading agricultural authorities. In a letter written last month to Mr W. H. Nicholson, secretary of the Sheepowners’ Union, Mr Murray gives, some interesting opinions on the trend of agricultural events in England, on the incidence of stock diseases, and on the future market for Dominion produce. Mr Murray is of the opinion thal the stock “embargo” should be removed. Although at the time of writing England was experiencing the worst outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease for many years he was still convinced, with the manv precautions, that there was no chance of having the disease conveyed to New Zealand through the importation of stock. “It is perfectly apparent,” states Mr Murray, “that with the increased comSetition in the fat lamb trade that r ew Zealand must do its very utmost to improve quality to maintain the position it has held in the past. It is astounding how Australia has improved its quality and increased its quantity during the last lew years. Argentina is also considerably improving quality, and South Africa is also sending forward quite a nice quality of lamb, but only in small quantities at present. What may hapSen owing to increased local costs in 'ew Zealand is that the quantity of frozen lamb may decrease, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, to get the quota re-established.” Mr Murray said that he had a long talk with the president of the Farmers’ Union (Sir Christopher Smitbl. who states that after a great deal of very hard work the farmers were becoming thoroughly organised, and he predicted that in the future the Government will have to take notice of their demands, which will naturally include greater protection from overseas products. He claims the British farmer, if sufficient encouragement were given, could produce all the meat products required in England. “I think that is absolutely absurd.” continued the writer, “although it is quite apparent the land is quite capable of producing a great deal more than it is doing, but as the country is so rife with stock diseases of all kinds it would be absurd to attempt such a thing. Near Edinburgh I visited an institute for research work in animal nutrition and stock diseases, where they admitted that the farm of several hundred acres, which was being used for the work, could easily increase its carrying capacity, but it would be unwise to do so owing to the prevalence of diseases. “I read an interesting article in a London magazine a few weeks ago in which it stated: ‘Assistance to farmers at the present time was costing the British Government £34,000,000 annually,’ and questioning whether it would not be better to spend the equivalent in battleships, destroyers, etc., so as to make the trade routes to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada absolutely secure. German Artificial Wool “Another disturbing factor is the future of wool prices. Germany, apart from other countries, is producing a wonderful .looking artificial product, with an output nearly equivalent to Australia’s total wool clip. Although at present 50 per' cent, natural wool is required to manufacture a satisfactorv material with the artificial product, the fear is that as such wonderful progress has been made wihin such a short time, it may be possible to man age with a smaller proportion of wool in the near future. I understand it is claimed that any quality of the artificial product can be manufactured at Jess than Is per lb. “When talking to Professor King, of Leeds Textile Industries Research, he seemed quite emphatic that no artificial product would ever be able to take the place of wool. Although there may be no doubt about that, it has to be considered that certain countries that cannot afford to import wool may have to be satisfied with a much inferior article. “There appeared to be quite an optimistic view re the proposed trade agreement between England and the United States, the hope being that it might eventually extend to other countries to such an extent as to bring trade back to normal conditions throughout the world, and thus avert national differences to a very large measure. New Zealand’s Danger “It must be apparent,” concluded Mr Murray, “to our Labour Government the impossible position they are getting New Zealand into by increasing all costs and taxation so tremendously at a time when competition is becoming much keener. It makes one wonder what will happen to New Zealand If it becomes impossible to compete with other countries with our products.”