European Farm Output Problem For N.Z.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29682, 28 November 1961, Page 10

European Farm Output Problem For N.Z.

Increased agricultural pro- ■ duction in Europe posed a ! controlling problem for New . Zealand agricultural exports i there and underlined the need : for New Zealand to seek new markets and explore other ; than traditional trading < methods, said Mr W. A. Bascand, a former president of ; the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, who returned to Christchurch at the week-end after a European visit. Mr Bascand said the mechanisation of farming in Europe in the last 12 years had led to considerably Increased agricultural output with less labour used. This production was seeking outlets, particularly in Britain, and jeopardising Commonwealth suppliers. In discussions with the Secretary for Commonwealth Relations, Mr Duncan Sandys, Mr Bascand said he mentioned how greatly impressed he had been by the greatly increased production in Europe, particularly in agriculture, and how this was having an impact on New Zealand’s economy. Mr Sandys had replied that this was “a fact of life” from which there was no escape. It meant New Zealand needed courage and a very wide outlook in approaching marketing problems. The prosperity of Europe was self evident, said Mr Bascand. Peace and plenty were going hand in hand. The care and motor-scooters on the roads and the tremendous growth of tourism were evidence of this. Last year 16 million tourists had entered Italy alone. Tourism seemed to be the world’s big. gest industry today. German Reaction It had been interesting to observe the reaction of the German people to, improved personal conditions. They wanted peace, not only because they had had enough of war, but also because peace was bringing them individually care, opportunities for travel and a sense that Germany was taking a foremost place in world economics. The Dutch people believed Holland was the funnel ft>r European water-borne commerce, continued Mr Bascand, and were undertaking tremendous projects to ensure they had adequate facilities to cope with the great growth of trade envisaged by the planners. For instance, between Rotterdam, already the second largest port in the world, and the sea the Dutch were building Europort, which would take vessels of ap to 100,000 tans. There was every evidence, said Mr Bascand, that world trade was becoming fiercely competitive and that modern resources and hard work were essential ingredients of national well-being. But while it was true that some countries worked longer hours than New Zealand, Mr Bascand said he did not think their workers worked much harder than New Zealanders. Most European countries were now moving towards the 40-hour week and enjoyed extra holidays as part of their religious observances. This seemed to indicate that New Zealand effort in future had to be with brains rather than with muscles-in seeking and developing new markets for her produce. Strikes in Britain Mr Bascand said he had been distressed by the number of “foolish unofficial strikes’’ in England at a time when her trading ability was being assailed by many strong neighbours. E.E.C. Entry Informed sources believed that Britain would complete negotiations for entry into the Common Market by the middle of next year, as there , seemed to be no advantage to I either side by employing i delaying tactics. ‘*Tlie advisability of Brij tish entry is difficult to deter- ; mine on a purely logistics basis.” said Mr Bascand, “but it Is even more difficult to say why she should remain out of this great developing economic stream of common welfare.” While the approach of Britain to the Common Market was encumbered by her Commonwealth ties, Mr Bascend said the position of New Zeetond wee somewhat simpler than that of some other Com-

monwealth countries because her export produce was mainly from the land and confined to a few basic commodities. “We must accept the probability of Britain joining the Common Market,” he said, “and this may require for a period some measure of readjustment by us here, but the long-term gains in European peace and betterregulated trade are probably worth the price we may have to pay. "Twice in our lifetime our blood has been spilled on European soil for its benefit, and surely we can face the payment of less than human sacrifice to ensure the wellbeing of nearly 200 million people in that part of the world.”