PULSE OF TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 243, 14 October 1929, Page 5

PULSE OF TRADE.

REVIEW BY MINISTER. CASH-ON-DELIVERY SYSTEM. POSSIBILITIES IX CANADA. "On reading the report submitted to your conference by the executive, I vi&o gratified to learn that the administiation and policy of the Government in certain matters affecting business men has earned commendation," said the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. J. G. C'obbe, in declaring open the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. "One of the first problems commented upon," the [Minister proceeded, "is the subject of cash order trading, and it is pleasing to learn that the recommendations in that report ha\e found favour amongst the leading chambers of commerce of the Dominion. In regard to the well-discussed cash-on-delivery system, the Government took prompt action, and the practice^is, as delegates know, now discontinued." The delegates, from the South Island in particular, the Minister said, had knowledge that a burning question affecting business there was the lack of regular steamship service with the Commonwealth of Australia. The Go\ eminent could claim that it was about to re-establish the service, and the results, he hoped, would prove highly satisfactory in fostering trade between the Commonwealth and the South Island of the Dominion. He urged that every possible support should be given to that new service, which should commence operations from Melbourne on the 29th of the present month. The question of Government trading had also been referred to in the report of the executive, the Minister stated. It was the policy of the Government to encourage private enterprise in every legitimate way, and to ensure that Government trading ventures should bear taxation in common with private conl cerns.

Overseas Markets. "I wish to commend most warmly," tlie Minister added, "the support that the chambers of commerce have given the Government in its activities to foster and extend trade with overseas markets. The position with respect to our prospects of trade with the East is now being closely examined and I can assure delegates of the desire of the Government fully to co-operate with Dominion producers and exporters in an endeavour to share that trade which combines Java, Malaya, China and Japan. The work of the" Wellington chamber in this connection has been most helpful, and I was glad to learn that the co-operation between the executive of that chamber and my Department in dealing with the subject had been of mutual advantage." The Minister expressed his interest-in noting that trade relations with Australia were to be discussed, and said that suggestions for improving the present unsatisfactory position would be appreciated by his colleagues and himself. Turning to the subject of trade with Canada, the Minister said the intended appointment of a trade representative to Eastern Canada would no doubt be cordially approved by the conference, and in this connection the Auckland chamber was to be highly congratulated upon the successful result of its representations. Friendly Relationships. In 1925, the Minister stated, our exports to Canada were valued at £423,000, and in 102S the value 'reached £2,469,000. On the import side Canada still had a substantial lead, the value of goods imported for 192S being £3,259,- i 000# Prospects on both sides for an increase in trade were most promising. "I would like to remark," added Mr. Cobbe, "that our trade relations with that country have been most friendly and that each accords most favourable tariff treatment on specific items. In some of the items respecting which this Dominion receives more favourable treatment than other Empire countries we have practically taken no steps to, exploit the market. I feel sure that there are buyers for agricultural seeds, casein, hemp and tallow which we do not at present export, and that we could gradually increase our present markets in hides, skins and wool. "This Dominion has undoubtedly suffered! from the absence of trained men to give the requisite commercial information about New Zealand, but I am very pleased that this disability is now being removed."