Mr Kerr's Work For N.Z. Food Fair Praised

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30536, 3 September 1964, Page 7

Mr Kerr's Work For N.Z. Food Fair Praised

So much criticism of comment made by Mr Graham Kerr about four entries in New Zealand’s first National Food Fair had dismayed him, said the chairman of the New Zealand Industries Fair (Mr J. K. Dobson) in a supplied statement

Mr Kerr’s comment said Mr Dobson, related to only four contest entries out of 60 entered in the chef competitions.

Mr Dobson said that Mr Kerr was to be congratulated on a highly successful job as chairman of the food fair. “His efforts to provide a first-class promotion of New Zealand foods, both in primary and processed state, are coupled with an enlightened presentation of what can be accomplished by knowledgeable preparation,” said Mr Dobson. Export of Food Mr Kerr, he said, had .organised regular food demonstrations by leading chefs. These not only provided the public with practical evidence of the ability of New Zealand chefs, but also must indicate to all the national benefit of expanding, the na? tional income by offering primary exports in a more sophisticated form, which increased their export value. “In an initial promotion of this type, without any pre-viously-established standards by which competitors in such competitions can be guided, many interpretations and opinions will occur,” said Mr Dobson. “In mv mind, this is for the good/’ Mr Dobson said it was surely not being critical of the ability and imagination of chefs generally to say that four unidentifiable exhibits out of 60 were not satisfactory.

“The recommendations for value of. prizes, which I understand were as high as or higher than in overseas countries, were all due to Mr Kerr’s efforts,” said Mr Bobson. “So were the satisfactory arrangements made for the safe transport of entries for the fair from all over New Zealand. “Generous Conditions” "The generous conditions provided for chefs to demonstrate at the food fair were all due to Mr Kerr’s efforts and suggestions, and indicated a desire and drive on his part to promote both for the national benefit and the benefit of those closely associated with food preparation. “We must not, as individuals or as a country, be afraid of constructive comment when it may be adverse, or nationally we will cease to develop our productivity and growth.” Mr Dobson said that the Industries Fair committee was extremely pleased with the success of the food fair.