PREMIER IN TARANAKI

Evening Star, Issue 21725, 21 May 1934, Page 16

PREMIER IN TARANAKI

A CORDIAL RECEPTION OPTIMISM FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRY (T*k United I’kiu Association.] STRATFORD, May 19. The interest of the Prune' Minister (Mr Forbes) in the dairying industry was further shown to-day by his visit to the casein factory at Midhurst. Mr Forbes complimented the district farmers on their courage and business foresight, and expressed gratification that a return to more satisfactory conditions was making the venture successful. He was also pleased to note that the farmers utilised the rail facilities and found the Railways Department willing to cooperate. Mr Forbes was entertained at a luncheon at Stratford, followed by a civic reception, at which lie' was accorded an enthusiastic reception. hi his speech Mr Forbes struck an optimistic note, saying that' New Zealand would be able to meet the increased competition of better-equipped countries because the farmers had shown themselves business men by cooperative action and by increasing production. The Government was anxious to do its best for an industry which employed more labour than any other in the dominion. They were being criticised because they had to do unpleasant things, but no Government would be worth its salt if it took that into account. The Prime Minister added that competition could be met by better quality. The dominion would have to pay strict attention to marketing methods and the consumers taste,, ami the Government would help as far as it could. NEW .PLYMOUTH, May 20. Mr Forbes was welcomed here on Saturday by a representative gathering of local body and business interests at an informal function, over which the mayor (Mr E. U. presided. The speakers assured Mr Forbes that they welcomed him personally and as head of thc_ Government, referring to his integrity and steadfastness m tlie .face of abnormal difficulties. It was stated that the people were generally. if not entirely, satisfied, and con sidored that the Government was doing its best and meeting with 1 a certain amount of success. Mr Forbes, in reply, said he had been heartened by Ins visit to Tara, iiaki. At his desk in Wellington he seemed to hear only criticism and wondered whether he had a friend left in the dominion.' The warm welcome given him throughout Taranaki was, therefore, most .encouraging. I’evicwing tlie present conditions, he said there was a slight improvement in wool, and meat had shown a .satisfactory rise. The dairy produce prospects were not so bright because ot the in tense competition on the Home market, but New Zealand already bad a reputation for high which it should improve upon. The fanners should seek to supplement their return from dairying by additions to farming practice, lie doubted whether Britain could avoid further restrictions, especially as it was the policy of the British Government to help the farmers. No greater tribute could be paid to Britain than her position to-day, winch was sounder than that of any other roiintry. New Zealand should follow the Old Countiy’s example and pursue sound Hues and she would come through all right. Air Forbes later received private deputations. To-day he was entertained privately and visited Mount Egmont.