TRADE WITH THE EAST

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 237, 6 October 1932, Page 20

TRADE WITH THE EAST

GOOD MARKETS IGNORED. SOLDIER'S OBSERVATIONS.. Personal . observation and experience has convinced Captain W. J. D. GoringJohnston, an officer of the British Army, that New Zealand is neglecting opportunities of opening up valuable overseas markets. He considers that, in trade with the East, Australia is five years ahead of the Dominion. , "Unless New Zealand follows Australia's example soon the opportunities may be lost," Captain Goring-Johnston told the "Dominion" on his return to Wellington by the Remuera. After an absence of many years, during which his regiment —the 16th—5th Lancers—has been stationed in India, Egypt and the Sudan, Captain Goring--Johnston has returned to spend seven weeks' leave at his home in Hawke's Bay.

While in the East, he eaid, he was constantly being struck by the absence of New Zealand competition ,in the valuable markets there, particularly those represented by cities with large European communities. In the big coastal cities of India, in Burma, and (n Egypt there were white populations—j not to mention the more prosperous native classes —who would be glad to buy New Zealand mutton, butter and cheese if they could.get it.

"I have eaten some really dreadful meat in these places," he said, reminiscently. ■ "Tough as leather, but the only sort that could be got."

"Once while in 'the Sudan I examined the supplies in a large store. There was butter from Australia and butter from Kenya Colony,- but -no New Zeala'nd butter. Again and again I encountered the same thing'—the absence of New Zealand produce that would .compete very favourably with the class of produce that was offering.

."I know nothing of the technical eide of this trade, or the organisation developed by Australia and these other countries in their Eastern markets. I am a ■soldier. lam sure, however, that New Zealand is missing big chances and that she. should wake up before these markets are fully"exploited"by others."