Ireland’s Trade

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30946, 30 December 1965, Page 8

Ireland’s Trade

Sir, —England, Scotland and Ireland have been united into one country for centuries before this country became just a British Commonwealth country. Ireland certainly broke it off a few years ago, but even so, Britain still remained her Mother Country by tradition, and she can demand preference over a Commonwealth country as she has far closer ties to Britain. She is much more dependent on Britain than this country could ever claim to be and her standard of living is much poorer than ours. Apart from that claim, our trade agreement with Australia would almost certainly be another factor in which she lost a lot of trade. Britain is a bankrupt country and the deficit which runs into millions is growing every year instead of diminishing. We have had more than a fair innings in trade, and it is only fair that other countries with far closer ties should get a little consideration too. Yours, John McDonald. December 28, 1965.

Sir,—Although not Irish. I must take exception to the leading article, “Ireland Retreats from Isolation.” Eire does not believe in isolation. It is simply because she has not forgotten the past—the past when Ireland was ruled by English overlords who meted out harsh treatment who promised Home Rule, who sent in the Black and Tans and the auxilliaries. That is the reason why Eire is outside the Commonwealth, and why she has been reluctant to have any kind of understanding with Britain.— Yours, etc., EDWARD HARVEY. Wellington, December 28, 1965.

Sir, —While It may prove to be .iard on New Zealand trade to have Irish butter going on to English markets in increasing quantities, one must concede, on historical grounds, that the cause of the “until recently strong antiBritish feeling” lies entirely with the English. To be included in a long list, characterised by folly and at times brutal stupidity, on the part of English landlords and successive English Parliaments, would be English restrictions on trade in Irish beef and butter. Current negotiations on these commodities show some common sense, only rather late! And while we are on the subject, what about a page or two in “The Press” in 1966 featuring the 1916 Dublin rising? Fifty years after.—Yours, etc., SULLIVAN. December 28, 1965.

Damage In Islands Sir,— The discussed expedition to the Hen and Chickens islands to investigate coppermining prospects should be opposed by all Forest and Bird Society members who love and value their inheritance of flora and fauna in New Zealand. The destruction already caused in some areas by rats and other vermin should prompt the prohibition of any entry likely to lead to depredation among birds, tuataras or plant life. —Yours, etc.. FOUNDATION MEMBER. December 29. 1965.