Sentiment And E.E.C.

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32382, 22 August 1970, Page 14

Sentiment And E.E.C.

There had been a great deal of sentimental talk about the Common Market and New Zealand’s special position, the Minister of Broadcasting and Tourism (Mr Walker) said last evening. Speaking at the Skellerup Young Farmer of the Year contest, he said it was realised that Britain would do everything in her power to safeguard New Zealand’s interests. but she would be foolish indeed tn jeopardise her own future for New Zealand’s sake. Many people seemed tn think that because New Zealend had fought for Britain in two world wars, had sent her food at low cost after the end of the Second World War, and was a loyal member of the Commonwealth that Britain should sacrifice her own interests especially to look after this country. “We must stand on our own two feet,” said Mr Walker. “Britain is a European nation. We are a Pacific nation. We are realising this now. “Our Meat, Dairy, Wool and Apple and Pear boards have

been seeking new markets throughout the Pacific, in Japan, the United States, Canada and India. It has not been all plain sailing. In America especially we have had considerable difficulty.

But the point is we have broken through into the American market and broken through considerably. . . .” Even if Britain did not join the Common Market she would have done New Zealand a great service. “W6 have realised that to sell our produce we cannot afford to be complacent. We have been forced to seek new markets and we have found them. “We hope Britain will continue to take a considerable portion of our production if she does join. There will of course by some reductions—especially in dairy produce. But the new markets which are expanding all the time will eventually compensate for any loss of trade with Britain."

Although New Zealand’s prosperity had been built upon farms, “we still have a feeling of intolerance between farmers and city people,” Mr Walker said.

“How often can one hear the saying ‘the cockies are O K,’ or ‘the Government looks after the farmer all right’?” he asked. Although the spectacular growth of manufacturing for export was ensuring a healthier over-all national economy, the export of manufactured goods could only supplemerit, not replace, exports from New Zealand’s farms. Fanning and industry were inter-dependent, he said,