NEW MARKETS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 17 June 1932, Page 2

NEW MARKETS

FOR DOMINION PRODUCTS NEED STRESSED SPEECH BY MINISTER (.By l'eleKraiili —Press Association) PALMERSTON N., This Day. Emphasis "'as laid upon the need for opening up new markets for New Zealand's products by the lion. R. Masters. Minister of Industries and Commerce, speaking at the National Dairy Show function last evening. The Minister stated that by virtue of his office it was his duty to assist in the development of both secondary and primary industries. They had failed up to the present to apply scientific methods to marketing their products. Over 92 per cent, went to Great Britain alone, while exports to other countries spread all over the world. In 1914 butter valued at £24,000,000 went to Great Britain from all sources. To-day the figure was £46,000,000 Markets had to be developed in other places, lie expressed doubt whether primary producers’ boards were giving as much attention to the marketing end as to the manufacturing side. Ilis job as Minister was not that of commereial traveller. He did not sell produce. The function of his department was to obtain information and it was at the disposal of farmers. There had been an increase of £22,000,000 worth of butter sent into Britain, while llio increase in population was only 2,000,000. Butter had to be at a low price to compote with margarine. Of the produce sent to Britain £8,000,000 worth'was reexported to the Continent* There was something wrong there. The Dominion should exploit that market herself. Concluding, the Minister said that hoards should be stimulated to greater activity at the marketing end of tho business. All the principles applied to the business man applied equally well to fanners. SPIRITED APPEAL BY PRIME MINISTER

The Prime Minister was also present at the function. He made a spirited appeal to the people to face their troubles by going straight ahead and doing all they can for the country’s benefit. “This is not the lime for pessimism,” he said. “These times test the mettle of the people. 1 believe the time is coming soon when the sun will shine again.” The lessons New Zealand learned through her present difficulties would be taken full advantage of. As far as New Zealand was concerned, Mr Forbes traced the difficulties the Government had encountered since entering upon office, and the steps taken to meet the situation proved that adjustment was painful, but when conditions change the Dominion will be in a position to make great progress. “With such people and such a fertile country nothing will keep us down,” he concluded. Tho Hon. C. E. MacMillan, Minister of Agriculture, was also present.