AUSTRALIA'S TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 2, 3 January 1924, Page 5

AUSTRALIA'S TRADE.

YEAR OF PROSPERITY. HOPES FOR FUTURE. LONDON, January 2. The report for 1923 of Mr. S. \\~. B. Wacgregor, British Trader Commissioner in Australia, shows that the cost of living has increased, resulting in the maintenance of a comparatively high wage level, although the standard of living generally is believed to be lower than before the war. A distribution of money for war gratuities, etc., amounting to well over £100,000,000, created a certain artificial prosperity. One effect of these money gifts has been to encourage growth of population in the cities and towns disproportionately to the country districts. This is an unhealthy symptom, but one which will probably adjust itself in time. Australia is of slightly larger area than the United States. Her people are almost wholly of British stock, and she is determined to continue the development of the country with Britishers. In these circumstances it is difficult to compare Australian conditions with' those prevailing in other countries. Immigration makes comparatively slow progress, and the scanty population undoubtedly relards the development of Australian resources. There is little hope of any substantial reduction of taxation in the near future. The proportion of British trade with Australia continues to improve. Australia is still the United Kingdom's second best market,' and all the indications are that in a few years' time Australia will become the United Kingdom's most important overseas market. There are a number of British firms endeavouring to do business in Australia wjthout adequately considering Australian conditions and the outlook of the . Australian people. British firms should bear in mind advancing salaries regulated by the Government which have to be paid to assistants in warehouses and offices and heavy expenses incurred by travellers, all resulting in very greatly increased overhead charges. Australian manufacturing industries, although protected by a high, and in some cases almost prohibitive tariff, are making comparatively slow- progress.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)