Farmer’s Plea For ‘Equal Opportunity’

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30186, 18 July 1963, Page 15

Farmer’s Plea For ‘Equal Opportunity’

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. July 17. New Zealand needed internal economic policies that would give all industries equal opportunities to bid for labour and capital the pres;dent of Federated Farmers 'Mr E. W. McCallum) said in his presidential address today. We should have learnt by now that regulation and direction are no substitute for thi inter-play of economic forces. The policy we have followed has given us one of the slowest rates of economic growth in the Western world." The trouble with New Zealand’s system of economic handicapping was that it was too hard on the best horses. "We need conditions that will give fair opportunity to all and ensure fair competition. We need an income policy that will encourage and not retard our economic growth." said Mr McCallum Internal cost had risen at twice the rate costs increased abroad over the last 10 years, he said

He had not seen any consideration of costs on New Zealand's ability to export

when he read through the proceedings of the export development conference. Mr McCallum said.

Mr McCallum was sceptical of a statement by the deputy* Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) that “the widespread belief that New Zealand’s cost structure was so high that she could not expect to sell overseas had been proved wrong." Mr Marshall had cited Hong Kong as an example. Mr McCallum said the disparity between Hong Kong and New Zealand prices was so great that someone in this country must be making exorbitant profits. Even New Zealand's heavy taxation could not account for the difference. Referring to a recent statement by a Christchurch manufacturer (Mr H. C. Urlwin) that “New Zealand could not get ahead by manufacturing goods—the price of New Zealand goods was too high.” Mr McCallum said the remarks were in direct contrast to those of Mr Marshall and were entitled to respect. “I would like to see the facts established,” Mr McCallum said.