OPTIMISTIC TONE IN BUSINESS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21506, 22 June 1935, Page 16

OPTIMISTIC TONE IN BUSINESS

AUSTRALIA'S OUTLOOK LARGE INCREASE IN HOME MANUFACTURES An optimistic tone in the statements made to him by business men both in Sydney and in Melbourne, a more conservative city, was noted by Mr J. Roy Smith, secretary to the Canterjbury Chamber of Commerce, who rei turned to Christchurch yesterday from a month's business visit to the Commonwealth. The general impression in both cities was that the outlook was good. "Industrially Australia is very progressive, and her industrialists believe in further sacrifices to develop this side of her activities," said Mr Smith in an interview with "The Press." "It is surprising to see the number of things that are being made in Australia. There are, for instance, the highpressure metal presses for stamping out the chassis of a radio receiving set. Dies and other equipment for the manufacture of sets are also being made. Such is the demand that these machines can be made on a large scale. The manufacturers say, probably correctly, that none better is made in any other country. One of the most impressive productions I saw was a transmitting set half as powerful again as any before operating in Australia. Tliis will be taken over by the Postmaster-General's department. A growing amount of telephone equipment, such as switch-boards, is also being manufactured in the country." In certain manufactures internal competition was very keen. Some larger manufacturers freely expressed the opinion that a lowering of tariffs would suit them—it would eliminate the "back door" manufacturer.

Building in Sydney was booming, Mr Smith added. In private enterprises £2,000,000 was involved at the moment. In addition theYe were the Government and municipality projects, including the extension of Martin place two blocks frtfm Castlereagh street. Interest i!n New Zealand" The Australian business man flowed great interest in New Zealand? as a possible market for the Commonwealth's manufactures, said Mr Smith. There was still misapprehension on some matters, such as trade in oranges and potatoes, but tiie general attitude was that there wottld have to be an interchange of goods.) He was also interested in New Zealand as a holiday and tourist resort.* New Zealand's problem, said MrSmith, was to provide a reasonably complete tour of the Dominion in a reasonable time at a reasonable total coel. The tourist cruise was very helpful in introducing the country to Australian tourists, but did not give time for them to see the South Island, or, in fact, much of the North Island. There was no doubt that a shipping service between the South Island and Melbourne, permanent at least in the summer months, would provide an excellent connecting link enabling Australian tourists to see the beauties of the South Island.