Dominion’s Need for New Markets

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 211, 7 September 1938, Page 6

Dominion’s Need for New Markets

DISCUSSION AT EMPIRE CONFERENCE

United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrlcnt,

SYDNEY, Sppt. 6. When New Zealand trade generally was under discussion at the British Commonwealth Relations conference, the question was asked whether New Zealand would become a rival of Australia in the field of secondary industries. The reply was that it was felt that New Zealand’s destiny was bound up with primary industries and that she would do better as a primary-pro-ducing country provided that fresh markets could be found. This was essential in view of the fact that the British market was contracting.

Delegates stated that attempt had been made to increase the Dominion’s trade in primary products in the East, but without the success hoped for. Therefore, New Zealand was most anxious to strengthen her trade ties with Australia.

One delegate then asked whether New Zealand was prepared to do anything to remove hindrances to trade between the two countries. The answer was that New Zealand would be glad to relax trade restrictions and, generally, do all she could in this direction.

In reply to a further question, it was stated that there had been some flight of capital from New Zealand but that the Labour Government could not be held responsible. It was due largely to the attractive investment market for money in Australia. Delegates made it clear when speaking about New Zealand that the traditional attitude in the Dominion towards Britain was undergoing a change. Therewas now a realisation that New Zealand’s interests were not always identical with those of Britain. This was no indication, however, that there was any desire on the part of the Dominion to Weaken in any way its strong Empire ties; it rather indicated that New Zealand was growing up and had adopted £he privilege of a grown-up of thinking more independently.

Delegates from Britain and the other Dominions asked several questions about the status of the Maori. It was made clear to them that there was no racial problem. The Maoris enjoyed a political and social status equal to that of the Europeans.

One delegate asked whether that would be the position if the Maori population was, say, 50 per cent, of the total population. The answer was “No.”