SCHEME OPPOSED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27391, 17 May 1950, Page 6

SCHEME OPPOSED

Sale Of Meat To America MR JORDAN’S CRITICISM Britain Still In Need PA - AUCKLAND, May 16. Opposition to the suggestion that New Zealand should divert exportable meat from Britain to the United States to earn dollars was expressed in forthright terms by the New Zealand High Commissioner in London, Mr W. J. Jordan, in an address to the Auckland Cfeditmen’s Club today. He was commenting on a report from London that Mr S. C. Sutherland, chairman and managing director of Wright, Stephenson and Co., had said that meat was in over-supply in Britain and that the ration was not being fully taken Because purchasing power was insufficient.

“ If that is right, things have altered a lot since I left on April 1,” said Mr Jordan. It was a great pity that the cablegram had been published because it was not true. The message should have said: “Let the people in Britain go without so that we can sell meat in America for more money.” If that language had been used, the British people would understand chances were that those responsible for the cablegram were able to eat at good hotels or restaurants without depending on the ration. Urging New Zealanders to continue sending food parcels to Britain, Mr Jordan said that he had had the responsibility of distributing hundreds of parcels to those most in need. As a matter of fact, everyone was needy under the rationing system. Mr Jordan said that Britain must import food whatever the charges might be—within reason. The people were grateful that New Zealand charged less for her products than other exporters. It might be a good longterm '.policy on New Zealand’s part. There was room for improvement in New Zealand’s trade with Britain. “America is an exporting country,” continued Mr Jordan. “For the time being, her flocks are down and she may be willing to buy our lamb, but we do not know how long that market will last. We do know, however, that the British market will continue.”