ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23257, 19 July 1945, Page 4

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

Back Benchers’ Day Primary Production Discussed Minister Of Supply Answers Critics 'N.Z.P.A.' WELLINGTON. July 18. I lie debate on (lie Address-m-Reply was coiiiiniied when the House of Re- ■ ’oumed this evening, the I majority of th - speakers taking part J being firm die back benches. Mr G. H. Mackiey iNationAl. Mastertoni s-cd primary piodut tion, I and said that our volume of production had fallen at a tune when it was ■■i the ; r: ;it;.v. importance to both New Zt;:la::;l and Britain. The Minister of Agriculture claimed that there had been an increase in production, but the official statistics showed the contrary to be correct. As far as the present. Government was concerned the farmer was “the forgotten man of New Zealand.’’ and tills was a most damaging policy so rar as the economic life of New Zealand was concerned. It appeared that Ministers were ignoring the interests of primary production and favouring other industrial workers, although any setback to primary production could not be balanced by the fostering of other industries. Supply Department The Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) said the Minister of Agriculture had already said production was on the up grade. The average production of butterfat for the last five seasons was substantially better than for the previous five years. Mr Sullivan sail a form of ruthlessness which had been very pronounced was tlie attacks by those in opposition to the Government on the Ministry of Supply During the war bulk purchase between Governments had been the only way of getting goods. The specifications sent were frequently approved by the trad.", and all precautions were taken. In spite of ’hat something entirely unexpected sometimes arose. The country fulfilling the order did not always have what was wanted, and if they sent a substitute order there was a “howl” against the Supply Department. It was a case of blaming the customer for the mistakes of the supplier. The criticism was very unfair to the Supply Department, and it was generally expressed to secure political advantage. The Minister gave details of substitute orders received, and said that where there had been criticism of the size of orders it had been found that the demand exceeded the supply. No doubt some mistakes had been made by the Supply Department, but in relation to the quantity of goods handled the percentage was infinitesimal. Mr Sullivan said there had been repeated references to shortages, particularly of electricity, coal and wheat. As far as coal was concerned those who complained should be fair and admit that part of the shortage was due to the stoppage of imports from Australia, and partly because the miners were away in the Forces. The electricity shortage was due to the increase in manufacturing. Trade With Britain Mr A. J. Murdoch (National, Marsden) said the Minister claimed an increase in dairy production although the figures showed a decrease both in butterfat per cow and in the total number of cows. Why was the Minister and Minister o f Finance at variance

so far as trade with Britain was concerned? he asked. The Minister had made a statement in which he said New Zealand had the right to do her own manufacturing, but the Minister of Finance advocated trade with Britain and said: “We are not locking out any goods we require.” New Zealand should buy to the utmost limit from Britain. Mr T. H. McCombs (Govt., Lyttelton) :■ That is what the Government is doing. Mr Murdoch discussed subsidies to farmers and said it appeared that the farmer was having money taken out of one pocket so that lie could put it in another. A Balanced Economy Otaki) said Britain was the mainstay Mr L. G. Lowry’ (Government, of the Empire, and “when she calls we go” and “when she prospers we prosper.” It was important to New Zealand that Britain should recover, and it would not help her to recover if we lacked nut her goods; but we

had not locked out her goods. During the war we had turned to America because Britain could not supply us, but we could not buy more from Britain at present without getting into debt. On the other hand there was plentiful purchasing power in New’ Zealand and, naturally, the people wanted more to buy and complained when they could not get them. Every country had to make a start at manufacturing, and New Zealanders were equal to the artisans in any part of the world. Tn the interests of the country generally we should build up a more balanced" economy. It would be better for the farmer and better for the artisan if we would do so. We had to learn to be tolerant and form an apprecia,ion that was a fair and reasonable one That applied to nations we might net understand. Discussing the future of the New Zealand forces. Mr Lowry said New Zealand should maintain a limited land force but a good air force and navy. The defeat of Japan was s ill in front n| us. and the tenacity exhibited by the Japanese proved that, victory, though inevitable. would not be easy. We could not afford to relax our efforts, but before decisions about the future of the Division were made, he hoped every member would have the opportunity to express his views. Change of Policy Mr W J Polson 'National. Stratford' quoted Mr Nash as having said that the policy of the Labour Party was put to the electors and would not be alit real until the next general election Ihe Governor-General s speech had staled that the Government would i-dt’ .oei Hie Bank of New Ze..land, hut i ha: had no! been in the Labour wi'i"li a ' pol’u’. of not nationalising the j but wiii'ii the Government m r•; :-ft •<! ih: a pledge and then went 1,'., |; iha! pledge the people should h'a'.e .'-"iiie! hing Io say about it. Tile

taking over of the bank was a breach of faith not onlv with New Zealand but also with the Mo’her Country, because Mr Nash had stated in London tha. the Government had ’’o intention of king over the trading banks, and as that statement had a bearing on the treatment New Zealand had received the Minister’s changed attitude was likely to have a greater bearing on the future. Coal Shortage The Hon. J. O'Brien said that before the Government made the change it vent to the conference and discussed the whole matter. There was a time when Mr Polson wanted an agricultural bank, and he thought that the Bank of New Zealand would be useful to fanners if they owned it. Referring to coal shortages. Mr O'Brien said there was" talk about miners’ earnings, but it should be remembered that the miners' average pav was 4 - a ton for hewing and loading. It should also be realised that the percentage of injuries among miners was higher than among the soldiers overseas. The Government was blamed for the coal shortage as if it. could prevent it. The stoppage was due to the stoppage of imports in conjunction with the great increase in the demand from industrv. including gasworks throughout the country Ar present supplies were being increased . lowly, but we would have to produce more coal or get it from Australia before the position would really ease. The debate was interrupted by the adjournment at 10.25 p.m. Mr Nash said the report on San Francis, o would be tabled on Fridat. and he hoped Mr Fraser woul i open the debate on it. on Tuesday evening