POST-WAR PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 25700, 25 January 1946, Page 6

POST-WAR PROBLEMS

IMPORTANT TRADE ISSUES MR JORDAN ADDRESSES JUNIOR CHAMBER Some of the problems to be faced in the post-war world were referred to last night by the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London (the Rt. Hon. W. J. Jordan), in the course of an address to members of the Dunedin Junior Chamber of Commerce. There was a large attendance of members and guests, presided over by Mr D. T. Martin. Most countries wanted to export more than they imported, said Mr Jordan. Obviously that could not be continued indefinitely, and the exports must balance imports, which was a difficult problem. Many factors had to be considered. A very difficult position existed at the present time on account of the movement of money. As the speaker through the United States a few months ago he found it difficult to obtain dollars. One method of obtaining dollars internationally was by means of a loan, but to pay for the loan goods must be sent back. Before the war Britain imported £BOO,000,000 worth of goods annually, while her exports amounted to abou't £400.000.000. She also had vast investments in South America, which -was in the dollar bloc. If Britain took £50,000,000 worth of foodstuffs from South America something must.go out in order to pay for it. BRITAIN'S EXPERIENCE. o . " I shall always remember Britain's experience when she saw war coming," continued Mr Jordan. "It was realised that she could not supply all .her own needs at that time, so the farmers were asked to increase their flocks and herds. It was also realised that their produce must realise more Accordingly, a quota was placed on imports of mutton, lamb, and other commodities. This caused some concern in New Zealand, as Britain was the Dominion's market, but the war intervened, and this country sent all it could to Britain, which was glad to receive it." BRITAIN OUR MARKET.

" It seems to me that since Britain has been, is, and will be our market for many years to come." went on the speaker, " it will readily and enthusiastically ask for our meat, our honey, and our fruit. There has never been a time in the history of the Empire when the name of New Zealand stood higher than it does to-day with the British people, and I hope that Britain will continue to he our market. In return, if we in New Zealand have to buy, I hope we will buy in Britain." Mr Jordan went on to say that with the cessation of hostilities there were countries ready and prepared to snap up markets wherever they could, but he believed that, even if it involved waiting a little while until Britain had returned to its peace-time production, his listeners would do so rather than let other countries jump in and capture the markets. . * TRAVEL NOT ADVISED. Speaking of post-war travel conditions, (Mr Jordan advised his audience' not to be in any great hurry to pay a visit to Britain. The shipping position was serious, he said. There were thousands of servcemen to be returned. Many of them had their -wives and families to bring with them, while at New Zealand House there were the names of 3,000 people waiting for a passage to the Dominion. Many had said that they would travel to New Zealand under any- conditions, even sleeping in a hammock in the engine room. They had accordingly attempted to transport as many men to New Zealand as possible with each ship, but; there had been complaints about the conditions and the men had walked off the ships, so they had decided to bring fewer each trip. " Do not be in a hurry to go Home," advised Mr Jordan, " even if you know someone in authority. All the tricks have been tried, but not many have succeeded." Those men who wished to visit Britain on business should not be in too great a hurry, as it would take the country some time to return to her normal peace-time conditions, and by that time the pressure would have eased. In conclusion „Mr Jordan urged his listeners to make full use of the facilities of New Zealand House in London if it would help their businesses. There were no politics there, and the representatives of New Zealand in _ London were at their service at any time. PLEA FOR- UNDERSTANDING. At the conclusion of Mr Jordan's address the meeting was addressed by Sir Raghunath Paranjpye, High Commissioner for India in Australia, who is paying a short visit to Dunedn. Sir Raghunath said that some or India's problems were similar to those of New Zealand, and he expressed the hope that the good relations which had been established between the Indian and New Zealand troops overseas would continue into the post-war years. In conclusion-, he made a plea for greater understanding between, India: and New Zealand. Other speakers were the Mayor (Mr D. C. Cameron), who expressed his pleasure at welcoming two High Commissioners; Mr H. Brown, who expressed the thanks of the invited guests; and Mr N. E. Jolly, who thanked the speakers for their addresses. During the evening songs were .contributed by Messrs A. Clark and L. Dunbar.