MEAT EXPORT

Southland Times, Issue 22449, 12 October 1934, Page 8

MEAT EXPORT

MR D. JONES’S COMMENTS OTTAWA AGREEMENTS STATEMENT BY MR COATES (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, October 11. A further statement regarding the comments of Mr David Jones regarding the attitude of Canada to New Zealand, was made to-day by the Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. “It appears that some misunderstanding has arisen from the Press cable which ascribed to Mr Jones, chairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, certain criticism of Canada in connection with the Ottawa Agreements,” said Mr Coates. “I have already expressed doubt whether the published report was accurate. New Zealand made no agreement with Canada at Ottawa and we therefore can have no comment, and certainly no criticism, to offer. Mr Jones is proceeding to London in his capacity as chairman of the Meat Producers’ Board and as such he is fully accredited. He will be directly associated with the High Commissioner in important discussions that are about to be resumed in connection with meat imports into the United Kingdom. Any suggestion arising from the Canadian report, or otherwise, to the affect that he lacks status or credentials, is palpably incorrect and everybody who is aware of the facts knows that the interests of our producers of meat for export could not be in more thoroughly competent hands. It should be remembered that Mr Jones was at the Ottawa conference and his advice and help were most valuable on that occasion. The present negotiations follow the agreement made at Ottawa and Mr Jones, with his unique knowledge from the inception of the agreement and since, possesses the confidence of the Meat Board and the Government in the part he is taking. It is fortunate that he is present at the negotiations.”