ISLAND TRADE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 152, 29 June 1945, Page 7

ISLAND TRADE

SCOPE IN FUTURE

BENEFIT TO AUCKLAND

Emphasising that trade and shipping with the Pacific Islands must never be allowed to languish as it had in the last half century, Sir Ernest Davis, chairman, at the annual meeting to-day of the Northern Steamship Company, Ltd,., invited shareholders to consider the question whether the company should extend its shipping services in that direction. The directors had given time and attention to the matter and had been trying to evolve a scheme to revitalise a trade which flourished in the early days.

Sir Ernest pointed out that the war had brought refrigeration to the Islands and far greater numbers of Europeans would make their homes there and open up planting and trade. Never again would the Islands be half forgotten, almost neglected outposts. Also, however soundly Japan was beaten, the Allied peoples of the Pacific must in their own interests and in the interests of peace and a civilised way of life maintain supremacy in the Islands. This development must spell greatly increased trade. He suggested Auckland should have its full share by the inauguration of shipping services capable of a prosperous two-way trade. He appealed to the Auckland business community to help forward the endeavour before the opportunities passed.

During the war, with vast but unrevealed numbers of naval, military and air personnel concentrated in the Pacific, the introduction of a huge, fast and reliable shuttle service, with ships coming and going, had been taken almost for granted. After the war with Japan this service would be withdrawn and transport might revert to pre-war standards. If, however, active steps were taken, a service geared to peace and a free flow of trade could be continued without interruption.

Auckland and the whole Dominion, added Sir Ernest, was a ready market for Island produce. Moreover, it was obvious the country had embarked or:, a policy of industrial expansion and it could not continue unless every avenue were taken to secure a market for surplus production from factories. Where else, if not the Pacific Islands, was such an export trade to be found and developed? The company, he said, was in a fortunate position to engage in a venture practically without increasing overhead costs. He therefore suggested, subject to certain financial arrangements being carried out, that the company continue to explore the question. "Naturally, if we proceed with this venture it will mean increasing our capital, perhaps considerably," he added, "but all this can be done within the framework of the company."