PRIME MINISTER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19804, 21 May 1934, Page 8

PRIME MINISTER

TARANAKI TOUR WARMLY RECEIVED EVERYWHERE By Telegraph—Press Association NEW PLYMOUTH, May 20. The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) and Mrs Forbes received -a warm welcome at a civic reception at Stratford yesterday, the Mayor (Mr McMillan) assuring Mr Forbes of the goodwill of the district which statement was supported by country and business representatives. After attending the senior Rugby match, the Ministerial party, which includes Dr Marsden, motored to New Plymouth, where private deputations were received. In a speech at Stratford, Mr Forbes struck an optimistic note, saying that New Zealand was as well, if not better equipped than other countries to meet increased competition because the farmers had shown themselves to be business men. By the co-operative system and increasing production "dogged would do it.” Mr Forbes said he was pleased to visit Taranaki to get first-hand knowledge of the dairy problems. He was anxious to do his best for the industry which employed more labour than any other in the Dominion. The Government was coming in for criticism because its legislation involved restriction and sacrifice and that was why it was pleasant to be given such a warm welcome. The Government had had to do unpleasant things, but even though it was unpopular the Government would not be worth its salt it it took that into account. The way to meet competition was to better quality. The Dominion would have to study marketing methods and consumers’ taste. The Government would help as far as it could. Integrity and Steadfastness. Mr Forbes was welcomed at New Plymouth by a representative gathering of local body and business interests at on informal function. The Mayor (Mr Gilmour) presided. The speakers assured Mr Forbes that he was welcomed personally and as the head of the Government. By his integrity and steadfastness in the face of'abnormal difficulties he was well called “Honest George.” It was considered that the people generally if not entirely were satisfied that the Government was doing its best according to its lights and meeting with a certain amount of success. The Government had considered national not sectional interests. Mr Forbes said he was heartened by his visit to Taranaki. At his desk in Wellington he seemed to hear only criticism and wondered whether he had a friend left in the Dominion. The warm welcome given him throughout Taranaki was most encouraging, which showed that New Zealanders of British stock liked to make their opinions heard but backed one up if he was doing his best. Reviewing conditions he said there had been a slight improvement. Wool and meat had shown a satisfactory rise which was gratifying because sheepmen had had a gruelling time. The dairy prospect was not so bright because of the intense competition on the Home market, but New Zealand already had a reputation for high quality, which it should improve upon and also seek to supplement the return from dairying by additions of farming practice. Britain would find it difficult to withstand the effect of market restrictions by foreign countries and he doubted whether she could avoid further restriction, especially' as it was the policy of the British Government to help farmers. New Zealand, compared with other countries, was fortunate in the problems it had to solve. A comparison was made with America where Mr Roosevelt, besides tottering financial institutions and unemployed, had had to face the hopelessness of the people. It was a great tribute to Britain that her position was sounder than that of any other country. New Zealand should follow her example, pursue sound lines and come through all right. Mr Forbes later received private deputations. To-day he was entertained at the residence of Mr T. C List, and visited Mt. Egmont.