EMBARGOES not FAVOURED

Southland Times, Issue 23664, 12 November 1938, Page 6

EMBARGOES not FAVOURED

Member Of N.S.W. Lower House FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CRITICIZED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 11. The cabled remarks of Sir Frederick Stewart, a former Federal Minister ot Commerce, about the respective embargoes on New Zealand potatoes and Australian Citrus fruits received strong endorsement from Mr R. Bruce Walker, a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, when he arrived at Wellington by the Awatea today. “I heartily endorse what Sir Frederick says,” Mr Walker declared, “and deplore the attitude of the Lyons-Page Commonwealth Government towards imports of New Zealand potatoes. The embargo has forced the New Zealand Government to retaliate, although it is pleasing to know the embargo on citrus fruits has been partially lifted. Nothing can convince me that the fear of the introduction of the potato disease called ‘corky scab’ into the Commonwealth is at the bottom of the position. That argument .is based . upon political expediency with the object of conserving the Australian market for the Tasmanian potato grower. New Zealand cannot be blamed for retaliatory measures. “On behalf of my constituency of Hawkesbury, which is probably the largest citrus fruit growing district in New South Wales, I have made many protests to the Prime Minister from time to time. I sincerely hope the time is not far distant when wiser counsels shall prevail in the Commonwealth Government, so that both-these restrictions may be entirely wiped out and a freer trade relationship brought about between the two countries to the betterment of the primary industries concerned. “If the embargo on New Zealand potatoes were lifted Victoria and New South Wales would not be affected une iota. Further, the householders of Sydney have protested against the price they are having to pay for potatoes. There is a real outcry and after a recent meeting in Sydney of associations representing the consumers the United Australia Party was requested to bring pressure to bear on the Government to have the embargo lifted. That should help to destroy the impression that the Australian people are behind the Government in this matter. “The whole reason for the Australian embargo is that those responsible for it are afraid to offend the potato-growing interests. The fault is with Australia and it is difficult to see any reason for a continuance of the embargo. Australia made the first move and New Zealand is not to blame at all. It is up to Australia to make the first move now towards greater goodwill between the two countries and the advantage of the primary producers of each.” UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY OPPOSES EMBARGO (Received November 11, 7.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 11. The United Australia Party at its convention unanimously decided to' inform the Commonwealth Government that it considered that the embargo on New Zealand potatoes was not in the best interests of Australia.