PURCHASE OF N.Z. SURPLUS

Southland Times, Issue 23969, 8 November 1939, Page 8

PURCHASE OF N.Z. SURPLUS

Position Outlined By Minister NEGOTIATIONS WITH BRITAIN REPLIES TO CABLES AWAITED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 7. Negotiations for the purchase by the United Kingdom Government of New Zealand’s exportable surplus of dairy produce, wool, tinned meats and hides and skins were referred to by the Minister of Marketing (the Hon. W. Nash) in a broadcast address this evening. Referring to butter and cheese, the Minister said he was very hopeful it would be possible for him to make a final announcement within the next few days. However, from a cable received that day he thought he could say there was little possibility of securing a price which would cover the guaranteed price equivalents at f.0.b., though he had made most strenuous efforts to do so. , ■ r Mr Nash said the original price ot 12Jd for wool would definitely be the basis of net payment to the wool grower after delivery of his, wool to the broker’s store. That should be satisfactory to the growers. MR NASH “HOPEFUL” Negotiations were still proceeding for the sale of edible offals and tinned meats to the United Kingdom and there again Mr Nash was hopeful _ that arrangements would be completed within a few days. In the meanwhile he had had frequent conferences with the Meat Board and with freezing and meat export company representatives to determine the most practicable method of marketing under war conditions. No definite announcement could be made about the sale of hides and skins as the Government was still awaiting replies to cables. It was fully appreciated that the present position was causing sonte considerable inconvenience to many organizations concerned with these commodities but immediately some definite indications were available from the United Kingdom, the necessary arrangements for marketing procedure within New Zealand would be completed without delay. SALE OF NEW ZEALAND FRUIT INDUSTRY 'REFUSES . NEW OFFER (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 7. Negotiations that had taken place between himself and the fruit industry during the past week were outlined by the Minister of Marketing (the Hon. W. Nash) in a broadcast address to-, night. Mr Nash revealed that the Government informed the Fruit Export Control Board that it. was prepared. to increase the original offer to buy 1,000,000 cases at 6/9 a case f.o.b. by 3d a case and, subject to approval by Cabinet, to provide in addition £lO,OOO for advertising fruit. However, representatives of the industry had replied that the industry would not accept the proposal and would prefer marketing control plus a minimum guarantee of 5/- a case at assembly point.