IN HIGH REPUTE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19815, 31 December 1929, Page 8

IN HIGH REPUTE.

DOMINION IN CANADA.

TRADE RELATIONS. [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND. December 30. A verv high opinion of New Zealand is held in Canada, according to Mr H. L. E. Priestman, who arrived at Auckland br the Aorangi to occupy the position of Assistant Canadian Trade Commissioner to the Dominion. '•At the time of my appointment seven others were made," Mr Priestman said. "Men were sent to Brazil. China. Shanghai, New York, the United Kingdom, and Paris, and of all I was considered the most fortunate." Mr Priestman is compaiatively a young man, but he has had an extensive commercial training. For 16 years he was a member of the staff of the Canadian Bank of Commerce. He joined the Canadian Department of Trade and Commerce early this year, and his service in New Zealand will mark his first overseas appointment. He is accompanied by his wife and young son. . "Business conditions in Canada at. present are excellent," Mr Priestman said. "There is fairly general prosperity which has accompanied increased production and expansion in industry. Canada's secondary industries are being developed on most progressive lines, and all manufacturers are aiming at the highest standard of quality. One new industry which is progressing most favourably is the manufacture of artificial silk from cellulose wood pulp. Such excellent results have been achieved that an expansion of the industry is certain. Last season's wheat yield was not quite so heavy as has been the case in former rears, but the quality was good. So far there have not been any heavy exports of wheat as Canada is in the gratifying position of being able to wait for a better export market. "During the last few years New Zealand's export trade to Canada has increased by 300 per cent.,'' said Mr Priestman. There is a general feeling in favour of reciprocal trade, and as it is being carefully fostered every country in the Empire should benefit. Indeed during recent years, the demand for Empire goods has increased to such an extent in Canada that shopkeepers who previously stocked foreign articles have been compelled to discard them. Butter forms the bulk of New Zealand's exports to Canada, and it meets with a keen demand. Dairy farming in Canada has not grown to any great extent and New Zealand exporters have established themselves in a sound position." Before Mr Priestman left Vancouver he heard of the appointment of Mr J. W. Collins, secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, as New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Canada. The appointment was received with considerable enthusiasm, heightened because Canadians had already seen something of Mr Collins outstanding ability at the Toronto Exhibition. It was felt that he would do much to cement the feelings of goodwill between the two Dominions "Mv duties in New Zealand will be to assist the Trade Commissioner, Mr C M Croft, in extending markets for Canadian products," Mr Priestman said. "I am looking forward to my work most keenly, and if first impressions count for anything I shall certainly enjoy my stay in your country. I met many New Zealanders in France during the war, and I have met others in Canada, where many are occupying high positions in the business world. They have all inspired me with some of their enthusiasm for their own country."