CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIEW

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 84, 10 April 1934, Page 6

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIEW

LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER. THE QUOTA PROBLEM. “Nothing will convince me that the suggested quota on New Zealand’s dairy produce was not brought about by the increase in the exchange rate,” said Air. A. S. Burgess, president of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, at last night’s meeting, “There was no doubt that when tho exchange went on the British farmer got up in arms. ’ ’ DiS'-ussion on this subject arose ts the rCouP of a copy of a lengthy lettez which hi I been forwarded to the Prime Alinister (Rt. Hon. G. W. Forties) by the Associated Chambers or Common e. Summarised. the views of tho Asnciatod Chambers on the dairy industry of tho Dominion were: (1) Wo view with very grave con corn the imposition of a quota on New Zealand dairy produce, and suggest. that every possible alternative means of agreement with the British Government should be explored. (2) New Zealand should strive Ly every possible means to improve the quality of its dairy produce, more especially of its cheese. We should face the facts of the present situation and cease forth with the various devices which have beez brought into operation with a view to maintaining and expanding uneconomic production cf butter-fat. (4) We should explore every possibility of finding markets other than the I I'ited Kingdom for our dairy produce, it by the extension of trade agreements with other countries. (5) Tho industry should examine closely the possibilities of production alternative to tho production of butter-fat, and every encouragement should be given to those persons who cannot produce buter-fat at to-day’s prices to develop alternative lines of production. Mr. Burgess doubled whether anything further could bo done. The Associated Chambers bad the matter fully in hand. Ho had noticed that Air. W. Goodfellow, who had boon one of tho advocates of exchange, had now changed his views. Air. L. Brinkman observed that there would bo no quota before June, 1935. Air. Burgess: And a lot can happen in the meantime. Air. Brinkman: The English dairy farmer is being encouraged to increase his production and the quota will apply itself automatically. Air. J. Williams thought the subject was so vast and so bristling with difficulties that the chamber might very well leave it alone. It was discussed by everybody. Voices: Hear, hear. Correspondence from the Associated Chambers was received.