TRADE WITH THE SOVIET.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20712, 24 November 1932, Page 11

TRADE WITH THE SOVIET.

CHRISTCHURCH FIRM'S OFFER. ( / ; DEVELOPMENTS IN AGKIibUI/TtltE. The advertisement appearing in newspapers of the Dominion, in which the Agriculture of the Soviet Union states its desire to purchase in New * Zealand . agricultural implements, has already aroused the active interest of one large Christchurch firm, Messrs P. and D. Duncan having advised the New Zealand agents for Russian goods, in Wellington, that the firm is willing to supply up to £200,000 worth of machinery a year. The advertisement, which was the subject of an article in Thb Press yesterday, Ims aroused speculation in trade circles, but one of the main motives behind its insertion is indicated in the letter received yester--day by Messrs P. and D. Duncan, in reply to a letter sent bj the firm asking for particulars. This letter, coming from tho New Zealand agents for all Russian products, states that the Soviet Government is prepared to foster reciprocal trade with New Zealand in consideration of the sales of Russian goods now being made, and also because of the contract made f or supplying the Associated Motorists' Petrol Company with Russian petrol, which the agents expect to see ila New Zealand by, January. Offers Invited. "The Soviet Union has been buying considerable quantities of agricultural implements, such as tractors, ploughs, harrows, drills, sowing, winnowing, seed planting, and many other types of machines, implements, ancl tools used in agriculture," states the letter received from the agents by Mr L. L. Corderv, manager of Messrs P. and D.-Duncan, Ltd. "Their purchases have been with the United States of America; and lately more so with Great Britain,! The Agricultural Department has now said that it is prepared to deal with .New Zealand, and invites offers of machinery which this Dominion can manufacture in quantities with the view of purchasing such implement* as may be found suitable. There is a great deal of activity taking place in the development of Eastern Siberia, and as there is a line of steamers running a monthly service frdm' Japan'W fteW Zealand, it would be very easy, and it is intended to exten'd it to Vladivostock. . , . 'IF anything is done it will no doubt be on as large a scale as New Zealand manufacturers can cater for. . . . If things go as we have planned and previously submitted to our principals,: we see no reason why your plant should not be occupied for a considerable period, as the TI.S.S.R. is really, intent on keeping on' opening new lands for the better settlement of the vast population." The agents have been informed that tlie firm is prepared to, supply up to £200,000 worth -of implements a year, ,and catalogues covering the manufactures of the firm have been sent.