VOICE OF THE PRESS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19750, 17 March 1934, Page 9

VOICE OF THE PRESS

NEW ZEALAND OPINIONS. Prices and Dairy Produce An extraordinary feature of the butter situation is that while the total export of all butter-exporting countries is declining, the amount placed on the British market is increasing. Only two European countries, Latvia and Lithuania, maintained their production in 1932, the last year for which complete figures are available. The European fall was not fully compensated for by the rise in the output of New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. It is evident that in Europe generally the effect of low prices has been to swing agricultural. industry to more profitable branches. At the same time, however, import restrictions are common, and thus surpluses which otherwise would not exist are being shipped to Britain, where consumption has increased enormously, but only because prices are at such a low level

that margarine cannot compete. It is to be hoped that though this wider consumption a permanent market will be established where formerly margarine held the field, but price and purchasing power are two strong controlling factors.— “New Zealand Herald.” Backblccks Roads It's an ill wind that blows nobody good. The present difficult times, with their accompanying widespread unemployment, have at least provided a splendid opportunity for carrying out much-needed roading works in various parts of New Zealand. Means of transport have developed so quickly in recent years that there has been a tendency to think in terms of trains and railway stations, aeroplanes and aerodromes, rather than the humble , road. Yet both trains and aeroplanes . are largely restricted in their scope, and to many a backblocks settler the road is likely to be his only practicable means of communication for many years to come. For a backblocks settler to have a metalled exit from his property is a consideration of the first I importance, and it is to be hoped that there will be no easing up of what is undoubtedly the most useful work the Unemployment Board, assisted by the Public Works Department, and the county councils, can do. It is a work deserving of constant encouragement by both town and country orginations.—“Taranaki Daily News.” Restraint of Shipping American shipping companies replied to the Cunard-White Star plans with a merger affecting the International Mercantile Marine and the Munson Steamship Line, which meant. that eight shipping companies were allied, and mean also that the American bid for the South American trade was strengthened. This move was a business reply to the British companies combination, and it was unexception-

able. It is the intervention of governments'and of “laws” that is objectionable. and the extent of this interference in the shipping trade is not yet fully recognised by the British public. Britain puts no restriction on foreign shipping. Canada reserves her coastal trade for Empire vessels, and Australia does not permit subsidised foreign vessels to trade between her ports, but they can trade to any Australian port from overseas. In New Zealand the coastal trade is reserved to Dominion shipping through the operation of the scale of wages, and this affects ships on the British register as well as those sailing under

foreign flags. In the United States the “Coasting trade” is absolutely reserved for nationals.— “Southland Times.” Trade With the East The question arises: Should not the trade interests to be served get together and evolve a scheme under which they could select and appoint their own Trade Commissioner? There are shrewd people engaged in trade with the East and anxious to expand their markets, who would think little of the expense if it were proportionately shared. A retainer of £IOOO or £ISOO a year plus expenses cuts down to small figures when shared by 20 or 30 firms. Such an arrangement, provided the right man is available for the job, should pay the exporters; but no doubt it will be argued that a man so appointed, without any official status would be hampered wherever the necessity arose to approach Governments and Government departments instead of private traders. The markets are waiting, huge territories only needing explorers with well-equipped minds and broad vision. If the politicians are right, let them go ahead without fear or criticism; but if they are wrong —and the business men should know — let the exporters get together and evolve the better scheme without delay, for if we do not capture markets nothing is surer than that others will —"Waikato Times.”