MR MASSEY’S RETURN

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11737, 26 January 1924, Page 5

MR MASSEY’S RETURN

BUTTER FOR AMERICA DOMINION’S REPUTATION FOR QUALITY UNASSAILABLE. EXHIBITION OF PRODUCE. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 25. Reference was made by the Right Hon. W, F. Massey to the cabled report from America that the New York market was ready to absorb 300,000 cases of New Zealand and Australian butter at the present time, and to pay as high as Is 8d per lb f.o.b. “This question is familiar to me,” said the Prime Minister. “I have been aware for some time that there has been a growing demand in America for New Zealand butter, especially in their offseason, when American imports, from their normal sources of supply on the Continent and in Canada, cease. American purchases of New' Zealand butter last year amounted to approximately £500.000, and there is no doubt that trade could be considerably developed.” GOOD MARGIN OF PROFIT. ' Asked whether, at the prices quoted, be thought there was a good margin of profit for the New Zealand producer after allowing for the American tariff of eight cents per pound, Mr Massey said the price quoted looks quite satisfactory. “The duty seems to me to be rather high,” he added. “However. I notice that an American authority emphasises the necessity for New Zealand shipping to the United States a constant supply of what .he describes as the highest score butter. Wherever I have been, the Dominion’s reputation for first quality butter stands so high as to be almost unassailable. I am not likely to forget the splendid display of New Zealand dairy produce made in the Army and Navy Stores while I was in London, and which I opened. The exhibition was continued for a week, and attracted flattering attention. Nothing else but New Zealand produce was sold during the period, and I was told that they intended stocking and selling it in every town in England. The head of the concern intends to pay a visit to New Zealand shortly. ’’ SELLING HOUSE IN LONDON. The suggestion that a Dominion selling house should be established in London was brought to the notice of Mr Massey, but he did not seem to be deeply impressed with the project. “I believe,” said Mr Massey, “that the dairy produoe control scheme will work out very weU in London, and quite as effective as the Meat Control Board, which has certainly done good work. A great deal depends on the personnel of the board, and I think a good selection has been made. It ia essential to make the most of our opportunities. New Zealand producers and shippers must not slacken their efforts to maintain a full measure of production and high standard of quality.”

WELLINGTON WELCOME

POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE. INTERESTING PROGRAMME BEING PREPARED. A well-attended meeting of the local executive of the New Zealand Political Reform League (Wellington and Hutt Group Area) was held on Thursday, the 17th instant, in the Dominion Farmers’ Institute, at which it was decided, before the ordinary business commenced, to dispatch the following telegram of congratulation to the Prime Minister at the Auckland Town Hall, where Mr Massey was being tendered a civic welcome by Mr Gunson, the Mayor of that city, on behalf of its citizens: “Wellington executive Reform League, in meeting assembled, cordially welcome you home, and assure you of their loyal co-operation and support in your efforts for the advancement of the country and Empire. They rejoice at your splendid record of service, and trust you may be long spared to carry on the duties of your high and important office.—(Signed) J. J. Clark, chairman.” In addition to the civic reception which is being tendered to the Prime Minister by the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, the Wellington executive is arranging for a welcome gathering at the Town Hall on Wednesday, February 6th. Reports submitted by the committees having charge of the arrangements indicate that the proposal has been well received, and there is every prospect of the gathering proving highly successful. Admission is to be by ticket only, but as the tickets are to be distributed by members of the committee, whose names are being advertised, and may he had on application to these gentlemen, or at the office of the league, friends of the party need have no difficulty in securing the right of admission, providing early application is made for the invitation cards. A suitable programme is being prepared, and the proceedings are likely to be of an interesting character. The speeches, apart from the vote of thanks, are to be confined to the welby Sir Francis Bell, the A-cting-I r inie Minister, and to Mr Massey’s mows I and other items filling ic to* rt-xuam ler of the evening.

THE CONFERENCES

XXXJD W;;kj£ ACCOMPLISHED.” Jo wwor v, a telegram of welcome from v,* We.J.ngon Chamber of Commerce (Ml J. Myers, president), the Hon. Mr Massey replied: "Many thanks to vo'.:rw-lf and members of Wellington C.-.amber o! Commerce for your Kind expression, of welcome on mj return to .Sew Zealand. My considered opinion IS that good work has been accomplished at both the Imperial and Economic C onferences which, if given effect to. will advance the interests of the Emoire.”