DOMINION’S ECONOMY WRAPPED UP IN FAIR EXCHANGE OF GOODS

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 June 1948, Page 6

DOMINION’S ECONOMY WRAPPED UP IN FAIR EXCHANGE OF GOODS

(0.C.) Ohakune, June 8. “The Dominion’s economy is wrapped up in the fair exchange of our produce for the goods we require from others; if we sell on a low price basis and buy on a higher basis, our position will become progressively worse,” said Mr. W. Sullivan, M.P. for Bay of Plenty, speaking at a National Party meeting in Ohakune Junction tonight.

Much had been said in New Zealand about the Aid-to-Britain campaign and the call went out to the farmer as usual becatfee from no other source could real aid come, Mr. Sullivan added.

“All through, the New Zealand farmer has done a good job. The farm worker produces, on the average £450 worth of food per annum. The Australian worker, produces £3OO worth per annum and the United Kingdom worker produces only £lB5 worth per annum.

“The farmer made the ten million gift Io Britain possible. He also, made the five million credit to

France, and tha one million to Czechoslovakia. Indeed, the lump sum payments of-25 million sterling was his. The Government stated it belonged to the nation, and was used by them to pay off London debt. “The farmer has agreed to take less than the world parity price to help Britain, but now, the position is due for review. Britain's export prices to us have increased approximately 170 per cent, since pre-war, whilst our prices have risen, on the average, only 70 per cent. This surely means less goods and more restrictions on imports. “Mr. Nash has said overseas funds are 85 millions, and this will buy, only what 34 millions bought in 1938. If import prices cannot cojne down, export prices must go up. If this is not done, it will inevitably lower the standard of living in New Zealand,’’ said Mr- Sullivan.

“Today, amongst our producers, there is a feeling of injustice, due to the hint that future lump sum payments may be obtained from Britain. Is the farmers’ individual effort once again to be robbed for the national credit? The farmer wants complete control of his own money and no more of the Smart Alec practice.

“If the Minister of Finance is now negotiating for further lump sum payments he should take the producers into his confidence. If he is not negotiating, he should say so. The farmer requires more labour, fencing wire, machinery, tractors, and other things which heip production. Without these, he cannot do much more. “The farmer has had little encouragement from this Government. His price and payout have been fastened down, whilst his costs are ever rising, Mr. Sullivan added. >