H—4l

(d) United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund When the work of UNRRA ceased, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established to do what was possible to meet the needs of nursing and pregnant mothers, children, and adolescents in countries where their plight made such assistance desirable. The New Zealand Government contributed £250,000, and this Department has had the responsibility for all administrative details connected with the purchase from this fund of needed goods and their shipment. By arrangement with the fund headquarters, a survey was made to determine the availability from New Zealand of various commodities required by the fund, and the various purchases which have been approved will, when completed, absorb the total contribution. (e) Government Procurement Procurement of goods which during the war years was so largely carried on by the New Zealand Supply Missions overseas on a Government-to-Government basis has now almost entirely reverted to commercial organizations. Nevertheless, the Department finds it necessary still to maintain, through its overseas offices, a service for the purchase of goods required by certain other Government Departments, and, in exceptional cases, of commodities in short supply required by industry, but which, for various reasons, cannot be obtained through normal channels. (/) Public Relations The Public Relations Officer has continued to carry out the Department's policy of offering assistance to visiting overseas industrialists and businessmen. This service is widely availed of, and in the course of the year this officer assisted many visitors from overseas by arranging the contacts they required, by facilitating accommodation and travel arrangements, and by supplying helpful information. The favourable first impression of the country gained by visitors and the spirit of goodwill created make their contribution to the development of favourable business relations.

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