Farmers’ Union Reaffirm Policy

Horowhenua Chronicle, 13 July 1933, Page 6

Farmers’ Union Reaffirm Policy

FREE TRADE WITH BRITAIN. NOT ANTAGONISTIC TO SECONDARY INDUSTRIES WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Dominion conference of the Farmers’ Union to-night reaffirmed its policy that protective tariffs should be reduced at once and that the Dominion’s immediate objective should be free trade between Britain and New Zealand.

Mr W. W. Mulholland (Canterbury) said the union should make its attitude clear with regard to secondary industries. A good deal of propaganda had been indulged in in endeavouring to make out that farmers were antagonistic toward local industries. This was the reverse of the truth. It was resolved to refer the matter to the union’s tariff committee. Dependence Upon Ottawa Agreements

MUST STICK TO BRITAIN CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. New Zealand’s dependence upon the successful carrying out of the Ottawa agreements was emphasised by Mr. W. J. Poison in the course of his presidential address to the Parmcrs’ Union. Having referred to the difficulties arising out of the failure of the World Conference to reach a satisfactory settlement, he dwelt upon the increasing production in New Zealand and the need for freedom of markets, our dairy competitors in the London market were on the run and the Dominion should hold its advantage. Mr. Poison congratulated Colonel Colbeck upon his presentation of the farmers’ case to the Tariff Commission. Only by adherence to their agreements with Britain whereby more British goods were bought could New Zealand be assured of increasing and favourable markets.