IMPORT LICENSING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25288, 23 August 1945, Page 7

IMPORT LICENSING

ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN LIKELY REPERCUSSIONS JfO.C.) HAMILTON, Wednesday "There is no need rob« pessimistic regarding Great Britain's long-term view," said Mr W. Goodfellow, managing director of Amalgamated Dairies, Ltd., when referring to the result of the elections in Britain during' an address to members of the committee of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd. There were in Great Britain more ievel-headed, capable -ind experienced people to the square mile, in all walks of life, than there were in any other country, he added, and ho pointed out that New Zealand was so absolutely dependent on the United Kingdom market that any serious trade decline due "to an ultra-socialistic policy would cause very serious repercussions here. "For this reason alone New Zealand should discontinue her selfish, exclusive policy of fostering uneconomic industries for the purpose of employing people ] n the cities at higher wages," continued Mr Goodfellow. "The use of the import licensing system for this Purpose might be astute political tactics, but the repercussions on our trade in a few years' , time, when food supplies become more plentiful, will probably be exceedingly unpleasant, especially if some of our produce is shut out of the British market. Surely it i.« in our interests, let alone being the only decent thing to do. to give every reasonable assistance to British manufacturers to regain their lost trade." Mr Goodfellow added tl.at in his -opinion the British Government was < going to be tough, because it would have to be. and the sooner New Zealand • recognised that possibility the better. j * "Let us not forget, as the years pass j h. v . to purchase British goods in pre- 1 ference to foreign," he concluded. "By 1 r giiig others to do likewise we can in B Wall measure help the brave people of the Mother Country to regain their prosperity and world leadership, on ( *nich the future of our Empire ( I depends." {