Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, APRIL 17th., 1937. MR NASH’S TOUR

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1937, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, APRIL 17th., 1937. MR NASH’S TOUR

WHETHER Mr. Nash’s mission; to London has been worth ! its cost cannot be judged until! liis return, when, presumably/ full information will be given to the country which Jias to pay the' bill, of what result was obtained for the expenditure. It was .sug-J ges.ted in this column before Mr.’ Nash’s departure for London,

that he was building his expectations too high, and it should cause little surprise if he does not obtain all he hoped. There is plenty of goodwill towards New Zealand, in Britain, but the Dominion is not the only Overseas country to be considered. Little can be conceded to her without similar concession to, say, Australia, or other Empire partners, and were Britain to give al) that these ask, her own trading interests would be disastrously affected. Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that Mr. Nash is filling in time by visits to Berlin and Moscow, where he will discuss commercial reciprocity with German and Russian leaders. He can spare 1 only two weeks on this special mission, and he will be'lucky indeed, if he achieves much in so short a time. It is doubtful if Germany and Russia are adequately impressed with the importance of New Zealand, and with the extent of the reciprocal trade possibilities, to be eager to enter into hasty pacts with this country, but it is well to be hopeful. It may be taken for granted that neither Germany nor Russia will give, something for nothing, and the more New Zealand gives to them, the less will be available to Britain. There is probably scope for greater commerce between the Continent and New Zealand, but whichever side shows morel eagerness to trade, may get the worst of the bargain. Mr. Nash should have an agreeable visit, but that is as much as can be hoped, meanwhile.

Remembering how often some Labour leaders have denounced London financiers -who have advanced loans to New Zealand as “grasping Shylocks,” City men will be gratified to have the High Commissioner’s assurance that New Zealand is grateful for past assistance. Mr. Jordan gave an assurance that all loan obligations will be met, which should silence those in his Party urging repudiation. New Zealand’s credit stands high in London financial circles, and will continue to do so, whatever the Beaverbrook or similar Press, may say, if orthodox methods are followed. British invest-

ors prefer Overseas securities whilst they deserve such name, but the mere fact of it being Over-

seas who are wanting money will not induce the City to advance it, unless the safety factor is prominent.

In connection ■with the Dominion’s desire to obtain a larger share in Britain’s market, it is interesting to note that Lord Bledisloe again stressed the need for attention to quality of product. He has a real desire to advance New Zealand’s interests, and since his return Home, has been one of the best publicity agents for the Dominion. When here as GovernorGeneral, he gave advice —as candid as his position permitted,— to farmers to improve the quality of some of their products, and in particular, bacon. He still finds room for complaint in this respect. Other critics find defects in other products. Mr. Nash’s mission cannot make progress if New Zealand is not “producing the goods.” Lord Bledisloe, incidentally, referred to the size of New Zealand House, and urged the acquirement of a larger building. The Government should hasten slowly in this direction. Already, Hie cost of the High Commissioner’s Department is high.