OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1442, 17 July 1933, Page 4

OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

THE SUBJECT OF THE QUOTA.

The subject of the quota is not one which can be dismissed with a reiterated demand for free markets. That is made quite clear by the cabled statement that the situation is giving concern to the Prime Minister and Mr. Masters, with whom the subject has a foremost place. “There is little doubt,” the message adds, “ that restriction of imports of foodstuffs as a means of raising prices is ( rapidly becoming the accepted policy of a large majority of the people of Britain.” Such a movement cannot be met by our farmers digging in their heels and refusing to budge. Even the willing sacrifice of New Zealand secondary industries can scarcely be expected to satisfy the demand. Such a measure could not be brought into operation immediately, if at all, and any relief that it would afford to Great Britain by increasing the Home demand for foodstuffs would be comparatively small and slow in coming. Nor has Great Britain sought this sacrifice. For her manufacturers she asks only a fair basis of competition and the inquiry necessary for the determination of this basis is now in progress. The British complaint is not that New Zealand takes too little in manufactured goods but that she sends too much in foodstuffs.—Wellington Evening Post.