THE MUTTON EXPORTS CUT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 9 May 1939, Page 6

THE MUTTON EXPORTS CUT

SERIOUS EFFECT ON NEW ZEALAND Commenting on the serious effect on New Zealand of the British restrictions on our exports of mutton and lamb the “New Zealand Herald” says:— The current suggestion that the meat export restrictions represent a reprisal j for import control is unfair to both the British and New Zealand Governments. The same percentage restriction applies to Australian mutton and lamb. It happens, however, that the restrictions affects New Zealand far more seriously than Australia, or any other exporting country in the world. New Zealand supplies Britain with more than half jl ner mutton and lamb imports, and so must bear more than half of the cut. In addition this particular trade comorises one-fifth to one-quarter of New | Zealand’s total annual exports, a much | higher proportion than in the case of | any other country. Thus, although no discrimination was intended, discrimination against New Zealand is the effect. The smallest country has been most heavily hit. The fact should be clearly stated to the British Government, along with the further facts that New Zealand is still Britain’s best customer per capita and that, in administering import control, material preferences have been made in Britain’s favour. If Britain clearly grasps that the prime reason for import control is the necessity to economise after a bout of State extravagance, and that her mild meat restrictions will be felt in New Zealand, with a severity probably not anticipated, she may be disposed to review the Dominion’s case. A good deal will depend on how Mr Nash puts it. and it is regrettable that under several heads his own policy does not accord with New Zealand’s plea.