British Support For Mr Fisher’s Views

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28540, 20 March 1958, Page 9

British Support For Mr Fisher’s Views

(New Zealand Press Association)

ROTORUA, March 19. His letter to the “Sunday Express,” London, in which be deplored the apparent apathy of the British Government to the effects of European butter dumping on New Zealand, has brought a lheaf of correspondence by air mail to Mr F. M. B. Fisher, of Sunset road, Rotoiua. Mr Fisher was a Minister in the first Massey Government. The letters come from all parts of Britain. One is from Dr. A. R. Robinson, Warden of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, who wrote: “I read your letter with considerable sympathy and even more shame. You are absolutely right in your criticisms and those of us who have retained a belief in the Empire and Commonwealth feel desperate about the situation. “The average man in this country today could not care less about the bonds of the Empire and he has been encouraged over a period of years to sink into this state of mental sloth, for there are all too many of our statesmen who are equally indifferent to Commonwealth responsibilities and claims—until a war breaks out, that is. “One Genuine League” “Preferring to put their trust in artificially-created, international organisations that are, in fact, no more than soulless sets of initials, they resolutely turn their backs on the one genuine league of nations that exists in the world today—the league of our sister nations in the Empire and Commonwealth “Letters like yours, however, can do much to rekindle the imperial flame, for I believe that there is still a spark of pride left, deep down in the hearts of my fellow-countrymen, abject and debased though their present national and imperial attitude may be. “If the Empire canhot be saved from the centre, then it must be saved by the virile new countries on the periphery, who today are more worthy of bearing the torch than are those in whose land it was once lit in prouder days gone by.” From the R.A.F. Station, Rufforth, Yorkshire, Flight Lieutenant Christopher Hickey wrote: “It is with a sense of guilt that I admit my wife occasionally brings Danish butter into the house. When I tell her we should support those who have so whole-heartedly supported us, I get the New Zealand butter which I enjoy. She, unfortunately. prefers the taste and texture of Danish, and there are constant arguments regarding the relative merits of each. **Her main complaint about New

Zealand butter is that it comes oyer in bulk, is too salty or too strong.

“May I take the liberty of suggesting:

That you return to the fine advertising that was a feature, pre-war; That you cater for various types and tastes; That you pack it in attractive half-oound wrappers and distribute it yourselves; That you make great play on the sunshine’ angle of New Z.ealand butter, particularly in the winter months over here; That you make the name *New Zealand Butter’ synonymous with quality (which to me it is already). “I wish you and all the rest of our friends down under the good luck and prosperity you deserve.” 1 Danish Butter’s Flavour From 607 Manchester . road. Bradford, Mrs Mary Longley wrote: “I always buy New Zealand butter and lamb in my own effort to help the Commonwealth and do my best to spread propaganda for you. However, in all honesty, I must admit I prefer the flavour and texture of Danish butter and the paler colour is more appetising. If you could imitate these qualities you would find a far larger market.” Mrs Margaret A. Hutton, of 58 Basing Hill, Wembley Park, Middlesex, says: “I buy every week three to three and a half pounds of New Zealand butter as it is as good as English butter and much nicer than Danish or Dutch, both of which are dead white, absolutely tasteless, and about Is per lb dearer. “Many of us feel deeply about the dumping of foreign produce into the United Kingdom at the expense of our Commonwealth friends and our own production.” Difficulties with Boards Mr Frank Hawkins, CrowhUrst Farm, Borough Green; Kent, wrote: “Members of Parliament of all parties agree with you, and we farmers and growers are pressing the Government “They have what is known in this country as ‘panels’ and it is impossible to deal with the boards direct. One is able to contract with foreign countries direct and make a satisfactory deal with the producer and is able'to. offer the goods to the shops at a reasonable price. “I had the pleasure of being in your country for two years and know it to be the best in the world. For this reason, when I restarted farming in this country and set up a packing station for fruit, I said I would handle only New Zealand apples in the off season. “Imagine my disappointment

when no co-operation was given by the board or by its London office to this end. This makes me wonder if similar practices are carried out by other marketing boards.”

Several other letters arrived by the same mail, some of them critical of marketing and advertising methods.