BEST IN THE WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 19019, 14 August 1925, Page 3

BEST IN THE WORLD

DOMINION PRIMARY PRODUCTS Some interesting remarks were made in an interview by Mr Walter Darby at Auckland in relation to the primary products of the dominion in the world markets. Mr Dnrbv, who recently returned to Auckland after a three years’ tour of the United Kingdom, the Continent, and America, said that New Zealand and Now Zealand products were held in the highest esteem in ■ all the countries he had visited. It was' quite remarkable, said Mr "Darby, to realise what a complete knowledge of Now Zealand was possessed by the French people, who were lavish in their praises of New Zealand. Of the other Continental nations the Danes manifested a particularly keen interest in the dominion, and in Italy this country was becoming' recognised as a wonderful outpost of the British Empire. With the French there still lingered an historical knowledge of the country that so nearly became a French colony. This knowledge had been quickened to a tremendous degree by the presence of New Zealand soldiers in France during the war, and Inter by the famous “ All Black ” football team. France was ready and eager to trade with New Zealand if the market could be served direct, and no doubt developments would be made in_ this direction before long. The Danes regarded New_ Zealand from, a different standpoint. Mr Darby said they considered us a wonderful people. Although their enemies in l the dairying markets_ of the world, there were no illusions in Denmark in regard to New Zealand as a dairying country. This was evidenced in a striking manner by the remarks of a Danish dairying expert who expressed the opinion that the dominion in time would probably dominate the dairy markets. .

This opinion was based on the fact that New Zealand had won her .place in the world markets against all competition. She had come into the field after other countries had become established, and now ranked with the best. It was convincing evidence to Denmark, he said, that a country so ssmote from the heart of the Empire and able to accomplish such a feat would never be ousted from the position she had won. “ This aspect of the matter was further impressed upon me,” said Mr Darby, “by experts in Britain. A thing that 'New Zealand producers must concentrate on is quality, allied with increased production and economical marketing, These matters _ should take precedence over any desire for unduly high prices in the world markets.” There was an economic limit to prices for any commodity, and the aim of the producers should be to cheapen the cost of production and maintain the market that could he stabilised at a price within the means of the masses. The world was prepared to accept New Zealand’s dairy products as the. host, but the dominion must be pieparod to supply the markets at a reasonable price. The same tone predominated in regard to New Zealand lamb and mutton, said Air Darby. The meat was considered to be the best on tbe market, and the standard only had to he to keep the New Zealand product in the premier position. In regard to heef, ho said that it was interesting to note that the markets were being found for our second grade beef in Italy and Germany, and these could bo regarded as capable of considerable development. Italy had expanded industrially to a remarkable extent during recent years, and as a potential market for' New Zealand foodstuffs was worthy of consideration.

The necessity for extending our markets was obvious, said Mr Darby, and properly accredited representatives in different Continental countries could do much in this direction