THE OUTLOOK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 270, 14 October 1932, Page 9

THE OUTLOOK.

FURTHER TASKS AHEAD. EFFECTIVE MARKETING OF PRODUCTS. I have given reasons for believing that the results of the Ottawa Conference will be an important factor in providing a very substantial help in restoring equilibrium and a return to prosperity, Mr Coates said. Already a marked improvement in confidence is evident. And apart from immediate benefits, the success of tho Conference lays a foundation for the future. But while we note with satisfaction the success' achieved, we will recognise that tasks of real difficulty still lie ahead. Foremost amongst our economic problems is that of marketing our products. I do not belittle the importance of giving constant attention to production when I say that to-day the emphasis has moved from production to the effective marketing of our produce. New Zealand will long look to the United Kingdom to absorb the bulk of her exports—indeed, Great Britain’s market is vital to our very economic existence; and for this reason we must bo prepared to play our part in assisting her industries. At the same time it is incumbent upon our producers and manufacturers to search out and create new markets and new outlets for their products. Already useful assistance is being given by the Trade Commissioner service, and it is evident that in default of such service our exports woujd suffer. There are many activities in trade promotion which individual manufacturers' and exporters cannot be expected to undertake—services which are essential in the general interest. This is a fact which is frequently overlooked when criticism is levelled against Government expenditure on Trade Commissioner services. It would be false economy to curtail these, particularly at a time when widei : markets are our pressing need. It is now most urgent that our producers, manufacturers and the Government should pool their efforts in establishing much-needed new outlets.

In the sphere of marketing. New Zealand primary producers are singularly fortunate in the fact that already their export interests are assisted by their own responsible boards. The value of these bodies was clearly shown at the Ottawa Conference. Their representatives were able to speak with authority for the important primary industries; we were able to turn to them for information and consultation. No other part of the Empire was so fortunately placed as New Zealand in this respect, and it would be reasonable to say that the definite tendency is for other countries to work along somewhat the same lines as New Zealand in setting up producers’ direct organisations. I cannot too strongly emphasise, in the light of the Ottawa Conference, the value of our primary producers’ export boards, to farmers and to tlie Dominion as a whole.

One returns from tho Conference impressed with the new importance attached to the United Kingdom in her own farming industry. Its encouragement is accepted as a first object of State policy. Agriculture is not bejng left to take care of itself. It is being advanced by keen competent officials and leaders both in the farming industry and in political life. More than once in the course of this statement I have noted how directly the attitude of His .Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom was influenced by the determination to assist the Home agricultural producer. This changed outlook in the United Kingdom is of much concern to us in New Zealand.