MOTUEKA SEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18805, 29 November 1932, Page 7

MOTUEKA SEAT.

BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

ADDRESSES BY MR COATES

BENEFITS OF OTTAWA. (By Telegraph.—press Association.! NELSON, Monday. Meetings In connection with the Motueka by-election campaign were addressed to-day by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, in supporting the Coalition candidate, Mr K. ,T. Ilolyoake. Mr Coates referred to New Zealand’s dependence upon exportable products and the necessity for opening up further trade with countries of Europe on a reciprocal basis. The Minister said it was the Government's first care that tire pensions of the people should be preserved. Failure to face the position of falling revenue would inevitably lead to a breakdown of the source of supply, and distress and poverty would be the result. In regard to soldiers' pensions, he said: “When a New Zealand soldier is receiving 21s a week economic pension and his war pension is more liberal that that of any other country in the Empire, can it be said that he has been robbed?” Mr Coates said that Mr Semple wtls reported to have said at Takaka on November 17 that: "If anyone couid prove that as a result of the Ottawa Conference employment was going to be made for more people, he would resign liis seat and keep out of politics for the rest of his life. The only result of Ottawa in New Zealand was that it would put hundreds out of work.” Impost Averted. " I will accept Mr Semple’s challenge,” said Mr Coates. “My reply is that the New Zealand agreement with Britain made at Ottawa affects our primary producers and every citizen in New Zealand. The facts are that had v T e not arrived at an agreement with Britain, all our butter, dairy by-products and apples, would, after November 15, have carried an impost of 10 per cent, for all these products entering the United Kingdom. In other words, not only would we have lost our preference in the United Kingdom market, but our products automatically would have been placed in the same category as foreign products. That is, our butter exported to England would bear a duty of 15s per cwt, fruit would encounter a duty of 4s 6d per cwt, and so forth. " Apparently Mr Semple did not know the effect of the Ottawa agreement. For Instance, New Zealand butter has a 15s per cwt specific duty advantage over foreign butter, and, at present prices, a specific duty is invaluable and definitely Increases the problem of foreign competitors. Now, will Mr Semple or anyone else attempt to deny that this basis of preference is not only of great advantage to primary producers, but also to those engaged in industries? It Is not only the man who produces a product, who get's the advantage, but also those who work for him. those who transport his poods, the rail services, shipping services and many other avenues of employment which depend on the prmiary producer for existence. “With particular reference 1o apples and pears, we can say with reasonable confidence, providing the quality is right, that there is a wonderful future to the industry. Preference given at Ottawa in a great, measure secures a market for the future. It also gives security to intending fruitgrowers.”