A TRADE CONFERENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10903, 28 April 1927, Page 6

A TRADE CONFERENCE.

CALLED BY MR COATES.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 27. The world's greatest populations are north of the. equator, and New Zealand is at the height of its food production during the "off" season in these countries This is the outstanding factor which' prompts the Prime Minister in calling a conference of commercial and other interests before the coming session, with the object of discussing proposals for developing, New Zealand s export trade. » . It is considered that the time is partieularlv suitable for such a move, because" inter-Empire trade is a. live subject. However, the markets ot the East are also to receive the attention of the conference. In the latter case New Zealand's difficulty in the past has been high freights. Reasonable transport conditions are only possible where substantial cargoes can be ottered and most of New Zealand's exports to the East at present go via Australia. The coming conference will discuss the general situation, taking into account shipping facilities and possibilities of improvement. It will probably be followed by negotiations between the New Zealand Government and other Governments. Thus it is important to hold the conference before the session, as some of its decisions may ultimately take shape m amendments of the Customs tariff, which is down for attention by legislators.