MUST FIND NEW MARKETS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 June 1932, Page 7

MUST FIND NEW MARKETS

THE NEEDS OF NEW ZEALAND

DUTY OB 1 PRODUCERS’ BOARDS.

MINISTER’S URGE TO FARMERS.

MR. FORBES SEES LIGHT AHEAD.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Palmerston N,, Last Night. Emphasis upon the need for the opening of hew markets for New Zealand’s products was laid by the Hon. R. Masters (Minister of Industries and Commerce) when speaking at the National Dairy Show function last night. The Minister stated that by virtue of his office his duty was to assist the development of both secondary and primary industries. They had failed up to the present to apply scientific methods to the marketing of their products, over 92 per cent, of which went to Great Britain alone, while the exports of other countries were spread all over the world. In 1914 butter valued at ,-£24,000,001? went to Great Britain from all sources. To-day the figure was £46,000,000. Markets had. to be developed in other places. The marketing end was one of the factors of which farmers had to take hold. Mr. Masters expressed doiffit whether'the primary producers’ boards were giving as much attention to the marketing end as to tho manufacturing side. His job as Minister was not than of a commercial traveller. He did not; sell produce. The function of the department was to obtain information, and it was at the disposal of farmers.

There had been an increase of the £22,000,000 in the worth of butter sent into Britain, while the increase in the population was only 2,000,000. Butter had to be at a low price to compete with margarine. Of the produce sent to Britain £8,000,000 worth was re-ex-ported to the Continent. There was something wrong there. The Dominion should exploit that market itself. The Minister said that the boards should, be stimulated to greater activity at the marketing end of the business. All the principles that applied to the business man applied equally well to the farmers.

The Prime Minister (the. Rt. Hon. G. W., Forbes) was also present, at the function. He made a spirited appeal to the people to face the troubles by going straight ahead and doing all they could for the country’s benefit.

“This is not the time for pessimism" Mr. Forbes said. “These times are a test of tlie mettle of the people. T believe that the time is coining soon when the sun will shine again. The lessons New Zealand has learned through the present difficulties will be taken full advantage of?’ Mr. Forbes traced the difficulties the Government had encountered since entering office, and the steps taken to meet the situation. The process of adjustment was painful, but when conditions were changed the Dominion would be in a position to make great progress. With such people and such a fertile country there was nothing to keep New Zealand down, he concluded.