Government Intensely Disappointed Over Dairy Produce Prices

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 September 1950, Page 4

Government Intensely Disappointed Over Dairy Produce Prices

WELLINGTON, Last Might (PA).— The Prime Minister, Mr. Holland, expressed the Government’s intense disappointment as the result of the dairy price talks with Britain, when he spoke to the annual meeting of the United Kingdom Maufacturers and New Zealand representatives Association. Mr Holland quoted figures showing that the prices paid by Britain for New Zealand produce did not bear relation to the price New Zealand had to pay for goods imported from Britain. He said that, based on the 1936-38 index figures of 100, the prices of imports from Britain were now 243, whereas the price of New Zealand produce sold to Britain were at only 213. “AH along the line-, because of the lower prices at which we sell to Britain, we are losing ground,” he said. “That is the reason why you cannot have licences to import all the goods you want."

Export prices 'for dairy produce were up 85 per cent, from 1939 to 1949, and meat prices were up 56 per cent., but imports had increased about 150 per cent, in price. At the moment the price of wool was certainly very good, but it was becoming one of the embarrassments of the country’s prosperity. Everybody was concerned over the price oi wool. In considering the dairy produce negotiations it should, however, be recognised that New Zealand did enjoy an advantage over its competitors. New Zealand butter and cheese and meat was assured of a market In Britain to 1955. He doubted whether many people who talked of freer trade really wanted it. Perhaps they were wanting only freer trade with Britain. New Zealand and the Commonwealth could not imagine a future with trade confined exclusively to Britain.