NEW ZEALAND TRADE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LII, Issue 8476, 22 December 1923, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND TRADE

QUESTION OF PRICE OF LAND A ust. - N.Z. Cable Assnc Rec. Dec. 21, 12.30 p.m. London, Dec. 20. Mr Robert Blmslie (Trade Commissioner), in' a report on New Zealand, says that while the outlook is encouraging, it is still too early to speak confidently of future prospects, since, some effects of the post-war inflation have not yet been fully felt. The prosperity of the Dominion in the near future must depend on the world values of dairy produce, meat, and wool. It is not- safe to assume that values have yet been reduced to a- sound economic level. Mr Elmslie discussed whether land values in New Zealand were- still too high, but he points cut that it _ is noteworthy that the highest prices at the- recent land sales were paid by fanners of long experience of what the land can produce with skilful management, The value of dairy laud can be greatly increased even at the present low prices for produce. The Dominion was now buying approximately on the same scale as in 1914.

The British can only obtain a future share of New Zealand trade by adapting the designs of their manufacturers to suit New Zealand requirements and organising selling methods to meet foreign competition on equal terms. Tariff preference given to British goods is so considerable, and the desire of trade within the Empire is so* genuine, that if British firms take the trouble to establish personal touch with the New Zealand market, foreign goods can practically be excluded.