Lord Rutherford ‘Early Example Of Brain Drain’

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31319, 15 March 1967, Page 8

Lord Rutherford ‘Early Example Of Brain Drain’

There had always been a bit of a “brain-drain” from New Zealand to the United Kingdom, the leader of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce trade mission (Mr F. R. Mason) said in Christchurch. Lord Rutherford, the man to split the atom, was an example, he said. A member of the mission, Mr L. F. Cockcroft, is a brother of Sir John Cockroft, who was associated with Lord Rutherford in his work. Mr Mason did not think New Zealand should be regarded by Britain as an easy market because of blood ties; nor did he consider that Britain took the New Zealand market for granted. “If you can tell me where there is an easy market in the whole world I will go there,” he said. “They are all tough markets. “Business is not a matter of sentiment, and never has been. “I think that Great Britain was ahead of other countries in the export field. “Japan was not a big «x-

porter in this part of the world; Germany was not, and Sweden has come to the fore as an exporter; so has the United States of America. "I think it is a fortunate man who ever gets business except on his own merit.” The present mission, with Christchurch as the first port of call for business purposes, was the third by the Manchester chamber in about 12 months.

Last year the chamber sent a trade mission to the Middle East and a special mission went to Scandinavia early in the year. He said businessmen were certain to follow up the present trade mission. One of the reasons for coming to New Zealand, said Mr Mason, was to see how representatives and agents were working. He thought this was essential. It was also important for agents and representatives to go to the United Kingdom periodically. "Communications are the problem and there is no substitute for personal contact” said Mr Mason.