Canadian Diplomat Wants Closer Ties

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30079, 13 March 1963, Page 14

Canadian Diplomat Wants Closer Ties

(A«<« Zealand Prese association) AUCKLAND, March 12. The strengthening of mutual ties should be one of the main preoccupations of Com-, monwealth countries now that Britain’s bid to enter the E.E.C. was in abeyance, the new Canadian High Commissioner to New Zealand (Mr K. J. Burbridge) said on arrival in

Auckland today. • “New Zealand and Canada, as two of the original members of the Commonwealth, have a big part to play in that,** he said. **lt will b* one of my main tasks to cultivate the close and intimate contact that exists between our two countries, and to do what I can to make it stronger. “We must do our best to keep the Commonwealth together and to help Britain cut as much as we can now that her hopes of entering the Common Market don’t look too "We should remember, too. that we have new members coining into the Commonwealth all the time. We will have to help them as much as we can.**

Mr Burbridge said he thought the export of Lamb was one of the most promising ways in which New Zealand might increase its Wade with Canada. "New Zealand is already making some progress in this field.” he said. “The Canadian consumption of lamb has gone down

over the years, largely because Canadians are switching more to eating beef. You might be able to win back some of this market.” Mr Burbridge said the present balance of trade between Canada and New Zealand was roughly three to one in Canada's favour. From New Zealand’s point of view it was unfortunate that both countries were basically exporters of agricultural products. In considering the imbalance af trade between the two countries, it should be remembered, however, that Canada bought from Britain Large quantities of textiles made from New Zealand wooL This could be considered as a New Zealand export to Canada at secondhand.

Mr and Mrs Burbridge and their daughter. Sheila, aged IX, arrived in Auckland by air this afternoon. They will drive to Wellington tomorrow.

Their son John, aged 18, will Join them in July after P pi firfM * high school course in fwlacuver.