Decision On Dumping “Dangerously Slow”

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28543, 24 March 1958, Page 10

Decision On Dumping “Dangerously Slow”

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 23. If the British Government had decided to sacrifice Commonwealth solidarity in favour of a Europeßi* *^ us ’ on .>”. the sooner she was frank about " the better, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Holloway) told an audience of 9000 at the Auckland Easter show last night. In an outspoken address, which earned the support of the crowd, he said: “The signs are that the English reaction is unfavourable to our case for - anti-dumping duties. At least, they are heing dangerously slow to make up their minds.

“Does this hesitance imply,” he asked, “that Britain is turning

her back on the difficulties of a loyal member of the Commonwealth in favour of flirtation with doubtful European markets? “The sooner she is frank about it the better. We will know then where we stand and what action to take. “We still want to retain the closest of Commonwealth ties. But this must be a‘ two-way traffic. Britain’s sincerity will be measured by her future actions.” Mr Holloway said his warning was aimed at Britain. Reviewing the background of New Zealand’s trading on the British market, Mr Holloway said that through post-war rationing of foodstuffs. New Zealand was able to ensure—at Britain’s request—“maximum supplies” of meat and of butter. As late as 1951, New .Zealand undertook to send more butter and cheese at the expense of developing other markets. An. extra 7000 tons was sent in response to this appeal. In 1947, the New Zealand Government made Britain a £ 12.5 million gift which was' debited against the War Expenses Account. Food worth £1 million was also sent. New Zealand people, too, had responded, sending more than four million gift parcels in the four years immediately after the Second World War. Mr Holloway pointed out that much dumping was done by countries which were war-time neutrals or enemies. New Zealand sought only to be allowed to compete fairly. “We ask for nothing more,” he said.

“This action caused the Government move to restrict imports. The country is going through a critical period, but there is no need for despondency. “There was no room for friction or time for petty bickering between agricultural and industrial interests. All producers of goods, of wealth, shared common interests.

“A combination of these two great sections of the community would demand the full attention it deserves and dominate our whole way of life in all its facets.” Amid applause, Mr Holloway concluded: ‘'New Zealand is as good as any other country in the world. She can produce goods as well as can any other country in the world.”