American Land Purchase

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31754, 10 August 1968, Page 12

American Land Purchase

Sir, —I endorse the sentiments of Mr V. C. Goodwin, Nelson, on American land purchases. Over the last year I have travelled extensively throughout the United States and have talked with Americans from all walks of life. Unlike those of any other country I have visited, these people show an active interest in New Zealand. Many want to visit our country, and a number are beginning to think in terms of immigration. Both New Zealand and the United States will benefit from the intentions of such people. However, I am concerned about a growing number of Americans who have “heard about” the great possibilities in New Zealand investment. These people (a significant number of whom are located in Texas) are colonialists in the bad sense of the word. They are motivated by the desire for profit, which I can assure readers will fill American and not New Zealand pockets. With an eye to maintaining New Zealand’s economic, political, and social sovereignty we must insist that our Government maintain a rigid control over foreigners investing in New Zealand. —Yours, etc.,

(Rev.) I. D. BORRIE. St Louis, U S.A. August 3, 1968.