N.Z. TRADE MISSION

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29906, 21 August 1962, Page 20

N.Z. TRADE MISSION

Leader Replies To Critic The trade mission of the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation had spent more time in New Caledonia than in any other area it visited in the Pacific Islands, said the leader of the mission (Mr R. H. Stewart) yesterday. He was replying to criticism by Mr D P. Twiss, an underwater diver who had been working in New Caledonia. Mr Twiss was quoted in a Press Association message from Auckland as saying that the business community of Noumea felt the island had more to offer than any other area but had been left last in the trade m’ssion’s itinerary. Mr Stewart said he definitely thought that Mr Twiss, whom he thought he bad met in Noumea, was not fully informed of the facts.

"The business community of Noumea was particularly helpful to us. and I did not hear any criticism of our efforts. We met everybody in authority there, from the Governor downwards. The Noumea business people were sorry they could not buy more from us because of restrictions imposed by metro-' politan France,” Mr Stewart said.

Arrangements had been made to publish newspaper advertisements in French, but they were in English because of a slip by the local newspaper. Members of the trade mission had done business

while in New Caledonia, and more was expected. Mr Stewart said.