MARKETS FOR N.Z. PRODUCE

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25447, 19 March 1948, Page 8

MARKETS FOR N.Z. PRODUCE

ALTERNATIVES TO BRITAIN

DEVELOPMENT URGED BI MR J. T. MARTIN (P.A.) DUNEDIN, March 17. A warning that New Zealand should not complacently accept the benefits of the Geneva Conference without planning new markets tor exoanding production was given by Mr J. f Martin to delegates at this morning’! session of the Associated Chambers of Commerce conference. Mr Martin, who is chairman or the chambers’ export committee, described the agreements as a “great achievement” and a contributing factor to the Dominion’s’overseas markets after January. 1951. After reviewing the proceedings at the conference and commenting on the “statesmanlike speech” of the Minister of Finance (Mr W T . Nash) Mr Martin said that New Zealand was complacently sitting back “with a satisfied feeling that tariffs need not concern us as long as Britain is pre-

pared* for years ahead to accept all we can produce and export.” “When exporters and Importers are able to examine agreements I think they will agree that our negotiations have secured valuable concessions for our exports and made reasonable concessions on our imports,” Mr Martin added. "We. must not depend solely on Britain and refrain from planning the development of .markets in other countries, Which to-day are pressing Uf for supplies of butter, dried milk casein, tallow, lamb, beef, peas, ana grass seeds. We must prepare for future years when we will appreciate the value of the Geneva agreements. Mr Martin said it was imperatively necessary for New Zealand to make plans for marketing its surplus products and not to depend wholly on Britain’s capacity to absorb ail NW Zealand could possibly produce. Tne day was not far distant when me increased production from Argentina. South-Africa, Canada ana New Zealand would press so on Briteir’s capacity to consume tnai prices which were negotiated annually would be the reflection'of an overburdened market and New Zealand would be forced to seek other kets - For its surpluses there were omw markets, and New Zealand must piaj well ahead. It all took time money, but it would be well spe»L said Mr Martin.