PRODUCTION DRIVE ”

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21144, 20 June 1940, Page 6

PRODUCTION DRIVE ”

Co-operation within the units of the British Empire for the supply of essential materials is now receiving serious attention. New Zealand’s programme in this respect has received the warm approval of Britain and substantial progress should be made in the Dominion in the coming production season. The Empire has the good fortune to possess land in almost every clime, and what one country cannot produce another is able to supply. The situation calls for the application of scientific management, and under the stress of war necessities such management is being evolved. New Zealand has been advised what Britain requires most urgently. For instance, Britain needs a quantity of linen flax for war purposes and to maintain the valuable export of linen fabrics. So New Zealand is setting about growing 14,000 or 15,000 acres of linen in the South Island. The same methods are being applied to other industries and the result should be a most valuable contribution to the economic solidarity of the Empire. With all other Empire countries co-operating in like manner, the British economic structure can be strengthened immeasurably. It is a matter of co-operating for the common good rather than each Dominion selfishly concentrating upon those industries calculated to give the best returns for a short term.

New Zealand's Government is launching a “production drive’’ designed materially to alter the quantities of various exports in the coming season. The outstanding features of the programme are:— Butter export is to be maintained at last season’s level; cheese, to be increased by 15,000 to 20,000 tons; bacon, to be increased by 10,000 tons; beef, to be increased; mutton and lamb, to be maintained at least at last season’s levels; eggs, to be made available in the greatest possible quantity; pasture and clover seeds, to be made available in increasing quantities. To achieve these objectives the Government proposes to give financial facilities through recognised sources for capital and working; to give assistance in procuring essential imports; to give full advisory and supervisional service; to provide plant, either from the Public Works Department or by control of private plant, finance and labour to break in suitable Crown land or to renovate existing farms. This is a plan in which the public should co-operate wholeheartedly.