GOOD IMPRESSION

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23216, 1 June 1945, Page 5

GOOD IMPRESSION

Mr Holland In England

Vital Problems Discussed By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright (Rec. 7.35 pm.) LONDON, May 31. High regard is felt for Mr S. G. Holland among the wide circle of acquaintances in Britain made by the Leader of the Opposition during his stay in this country. Everywhere it is said he left behind him a most favourable impression. It is known that after Mr Holland left England last week-end Mr Churchill remarked to a friend how much he had enjoyed the New Zealander’s visit to Chequers, adding: "I think he is a grand fellow.” Mr Holland is also said by those who heard him speak in public to have made a good impression both for his matter and his manner of speaking. One of the most interesting conversations Mr Holland had before he left—and for which he delayed his departure—was with Mr James Turner, president of the National Farmers’ Union, also the vice-president and secretary. In an atmosphere of the utmost friendliness and cordiality Mr Holland, with other New Zealanders, met these English farmers and in a discussion debated the post-w-ar problems of farmers in Britain and New Zealand in relation to the Empire and the world.

It is understood that one of the points raised by Mr Holland was whether New' Zealand would have a free market in Great Britain after the end of the coming four-year period—in which New Zealand has a contract with Great Britain to supply as much meat and primary produce as is possible. Mr Holland’s point was that New Zealand, after stepping up her production to the highest possible peak and receiving satisfactory prices, might at the end of the period face a difficult position. With the agricultural policy of Great Britain to endeavour to supply two-thirds of the country’s food instead of one-third as pre-war, would New Zealand be faced at the end of the four-year period with quotas and embargoes? Surplus Production He pointed out that it was the desire of the majority of New Zealanders to buy as much as possible of British manufactured goods, but the Dominion would be in an awkward position if in four years’ time she found herself with a surplus of primary produce and faced with quotas—a position which she reached immediately before the war.

It is understood that the N.F.U. officials were appreciative and sympathetic. They said that this whole point would be one of the big problems to be dealt with at the International Farmers’ Conference to be held in England next October. Meanwhile it is felt by the N.F.U. that there should be some central farmers’ organisation continually studying production. It is suggested that every two years New Zealand should secure the views of this organisation and plan her agricultural economy accordingly. Talks of this nature and also those with prominent businessmen and Government officials, it is stated, not only provided Mr Holland with a wealth of information, but also won him many friends.