N.Z. BUTTER IN BRITAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 50, 1 March 1937, Page 8

N.Z. BUTTER IN BRITAIN

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Some years ago a system of marketing in London was in operation that was not far removed from the methods that exist at present, but, being unsatisfactory, it was abolished to good effect, and it seems to me, whilst the present Government's intention to do what it considers right may be sincere enough, that to neglect experience gained in the past is a costly business. I suppose it can bB claimed that it is owing to this human weakness not to be guided by experience that is responsible for the adage "History repeats itself." In any case. I feel that the Tooley Street people have been too long in business to "let their hearts run away with their heads" to act in any vindictive spirit, and that the present position of our butter in London is owing solely to £ s. d., or in other words, there is not sufficient monetary incentive to handle New Zealand butter as compared with supplies from other countries. The following is taken from a Labour paper, the "Standard," of February 11: —"If the workers in any industry consider that they have not received a fair or just award, they may submit to it; but, if they are dissatisfied, production will suffer for a dissatisfied worker is seldom an efficient producer." Now, sir, I feel that if the same theory, with regard to a fair and just reward, as quoted above, was operating with the salesmen (workers) who are responsible for the sale of our butter in London, we would find it would produce an efficient salesman (worker) for the sale of New Zealand butter in London. Politicians can have their theories, but the years of experience behind Tooley Street must guide them in a manner that will enable them to use that experience to the best advantage, and I feel there is a gap between the experience of politicians in New Zealand and Tooley Street in the handling of butter in London, and : it would seem the "Dewarism" "He who can't, teaches, he who can, does" still holds. Our Prime Minister has stated that, if as a result of the recent legislation, matters do not work out as anticipated, the legislation will be amended. This is statesmanship not politics—and I trust the bold and proper step will be taken to put this butter business right before the deficiency grows to larger dimensions. Mr. Savage has emphasised that if the Government has to intervene in. any thing it will do so fearlessly, and it is prepared to bring down amending legislation, and there is nothing discreditable in admitting an error and rectifying it.—l am, etc., " TAXPAYER.,