H.—3o

GENERAL In presenting this report covering the operations of the Export Division of the Department for the year ended 31st July, 1943, it is pleasing to record that the arrangements of the 1942-43 season in respect of production, handling, payment, and shipment of the various products have proceeded smoothly, and all interests concerned have co-operated in meeting the difficulties inherent in the present war situation. 1 wish to tender the thanks of the Government to the farming industry, the manufacturing interests, the storage and transport interests, the handling and loading interests, and the shipping interests for maintaining so satisfactorily their respective services. I desire again to pay tribute to the officers and men of the Mercantile Marine and the Royal Navy who have been responsible for the transport of the large volume of exports from New Zealand and for the very satisfactory clearances of all export products which have been made. Finally, I wish to mention Government representatives in the United Kingdom and the New Zealand staff of the Export Division of the Marketing Department. They have carried out their increased duties most efficiently, notwithstanding the staff and other difficulties of the present situation. B. ROBERTS, Minister of Marketing.

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