IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 January 1925, Page 4

IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

THE FEELING AT HOME. CHAIRMAN OF MEAT BOARD INTERVIEWED. Mr. David Jones, chairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, when interviewed on the point, was asked what he thought would he the effect on the Imperial Government's proposal to spend £1,000,000 annually on Imperial preference. He said it was difficult to express, an opinion with the meagre information to hand as yet. When in England he met many representative men, and there was a great change taking place in public opinion in favour of trade development within the Etaipire. In the days of Britain’s increasing wealth and prosperity it was difficult; to. impress her people with the need for such a policy, but her cruel debt and taxation, combined with the loss of some markets and consequent depressed trade and unemployment, had forced the thinking, public to study the Imperial trade problem. The Wembley Exhibition, with its remarkable' display of Empire products, and the meeting of representative men from all parts of the Empire, had a' great leavening influence also. The British Empire Producers’ Organisation under the presidency of Mr. Morgan, in London, has also rendered valuable assistance, and the London representative of the Meat Producers’ Board is a member of that executive. ' - 1 fTilio result we see/’ said Mr. Jones, “in the important proposals for Imperial preference that the British Prime Minister has brought forward. Representatives of various organisations met me in England to discuss what they could do to assist in bringing before the people in. Britain the necessity of giving preference when purchasing to food grown in the var- . ions Dominions, and women were ■amongst the keenest advocates, and Mr. Baldwin’s [proposals will now come before a people who lare ready to support them. “Mention is made in the cables of huge refrigerated stores to be erected; we cannot find out through our London office if this is correct. If it is, the greatest possible care will requ’.e to be taken. There are many unsatisfactory matters about the storing and handling of meat to-day, and if such ia. proposal as the. above were brought forward, then the whole qusstion_ of site and methods must be investigated thoroughly before a decision is arrived a,t." The meat producers in New Zealand are fortunate, in having their representative on the spot in London, and in continuous communication with the board. The spirit that is behind the present movement, deserves every support and encouragement, the recognition of partnership is invaluable. Britain is our one great market her prosperity is of vital importance to us, and we should recognise.- this in a practical -way when purchasing.’’