GIFT OF CHEESE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 16

GIFT OF CHEESE

SPECIAL PERMISSION A PERSEVERING DONOR NEW ZEALAND RED TAPE [from our own correspondent] LONDON, Jan. 7 Difficulties arising from the Government's marketing scheme, which confront a person in New Zealand wishing to send a cheese to friends in England, were related in a letter received at a recent luncheon of the Rotary Club of High Wycombe. Early last year Mr. John Hunt, a former resident of High Wycombe and now living in New Zealand, wrote to say that he was sending the club as a delicacy for its luncheon a product of which tho Dominion was very proud—ft New Zealand clicese. The subsequent letter expressed sincere regret that ho had been unable to redeem his promise so far, as he had only just been able to secure permission to export the cheese. " Apparently my endeavouring to ship a cheese quite upset tho delicate balance of trade, threw all shipping arrangements out of gear, and made me liable to a penalty ' not exceeding £IOO or 12 months as a guest of the Government,' " ho wrote. " I confess I was ignorant of the law about shipping produce, but then, wo have so many laws, both old and new, than one can be forgiven for missing one. Still, I stuck to the job, wasted reams of paper and time, and finally received a letter giving me permission to ship this one cheese. I hope your club will duly appreciate the honour done it by the New Zealand Government."

The cheese subsequently arrived and was appreciated by members.