EXPORTS AND IMPORTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 37, 12 February 1926, Page 4

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS

AN IMPORTANT MINISTERIAL

STATEMENT.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, 11th February. , In a speech at Kaitaia, the Hon. A; JD. M*Leod said this morning that New Zealand was the greatest trading country in the world for,her size. The latest figures showed £.108 a year as the trading figure for every man, woman, and child. During the calendar year just closed, primary products comprised about 96 per cent of the total export. There had been a favourable balance in the trading account of about £3,000,000, but considering that we had to find about £5,000,000 a year in London to pay interest on money borrowed to aid the development of the country, there would have to be a larger margin between imports and exports. If the country v was to be prosperous, there should at_least be enough to provide interest payments in London, ■ . ' "I know'that from what we are getting at present, wool and mutton will show a decrease on the year of not less than £10,000,000," he said. "Where are wo going to nrako that sum up? The work must deyolve upon those interested in dairy farming, and I do not know whether you can do it, despite what you have done in the past: These matters are of. grave moment to the Government as well as to settlors throughout New- Zealand. Ido not want you to think that I am a pessimist, ■ but if the people are going to live extravagantly, then you will find that the Government will be extravagant too.**