BRITAIN AND NEW ZEALAND

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 79, 30 September 1933, Page 8

BRITAIN AND NEW ZEALAND

(To the Editor.) Sir,—The comparison has been made of the value to Britain of her export trade to New Zealand, as compared with her similar trade with Denmark. Mr. Mander has, before the Tariff Commission, made such comparison, and Mr. Masters at Home dealt with the matter from, the same standpoint when dealing with the quota proposals. Both quoted from old returns of past years, and not current ones. It is wise that we should have no misunderstanding on this question and allow ourselves the probable peace of mind the comparisons, as drawn by both these gentlemen and the average man in the street may bring. The solace of proving their contentions by old trading returns is likely to be short-lived, for our trade in British exports is not now as valuable as.Denmark's, whilst ours is falling and Denmark's rising. For the first four months of 1933 Denmark increased her trade with Britain's exports nearly 33 1-3 per cent., and for the same period New Zealand's went back. This statement is based upon returns of the Department of Overseas Trade for 1932, ending December:— New Zealand .:...... £10,360,214 Denmark £9,860,499 We find Denmark, realising the importance of her export* to Britain, and, knowing the support. Britain is giving her Dominions, doing her best in all ways to encourage her people to buy British; indeed, this spirit is very.much in evidence among the countries of the north seas. Trading obstacles in many other fashions than tariff are being: removed, and by deed, exhibition, and teaching are these people being encouraged to.buy "British." If British industrialists note this, we cannot .complain unless we too do our duty and take British goods in increasing amounts. That Australia in many instances is given better tariff concessions by us than Britain is probably the greatest injustice we accord the Homeland. Is there any.jone reason why Australia should enjoy better conditions, or even the same conditions, or even nearly so, as the products of that land which alone almost is the purchaser of our products, and so hence the greatest asset we have. It is strange that as a nation we need legislation to make us dp the right thing, but it may be hoped that the Tariff Commission now sitting will set in motion legislation that will make us do that which is wise, fair, and beneficial, and buy, and so enrich, from those who have always bought from us and by whom we have received, and receive, most of the reasons of our progress. Strangers and foreigners sometimes tell us of the wonderful markets elsewhere, but there are none whilst selfishness exists among nations to the degree.which it does today.—l am, etc., J. H. BEALE. Auckland, September 28.