Reply To Minister

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31071, 28 May 1966, Page 18

Reply To Minister

(N.Z. Press Association/

AUCKLAND, May 27. Mr B. C. Simpson said in Auckland tonight that he did not have to be reminded of the sterling work being done in Japan by the New Zealand producer boards.

“The Minister’s statement suggesting that I might profitably have consulted the people and organisations already selling in Japan before offering criticism reveals how little our trade people are aware of some current events,” he said.

Before going to Japan, Mr

Simpson spent three days in Wellington with the boards and timber interests, preparing a paper to present to 350 Asian delegates at the Asian and Pacific regional marketing conference. Senior executives from the four main boards had helped him prepare the paper.

“I spoke of New Zealand’s tariff problems, difficulties of access to markets and future product development so I am well acquainted with the good promotional work already being done,” Mr Simpson said. He found it hard to excuse the lack of interest shown by New Zealand trade representatives in the Asian marketing conference.

“They were also discourteous in fixing an appointment with me at their offices and not being available because of a delayed luncheon, reducing the time left for discussion from 50 minutes to 25,” said Mr Simpson.

“This does not lessen my original main point that the Australians at government level are leaving us for dead in trade promotion in some areas.”