PROSPERITY IN AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22245, 9 November 1937, Page 10

PROSPERITY IN AUSTRALIA

HUGE IMPORTS OK TIMBER

MR NEWBURGH IMPRESSED

ITHE PRESS Special Service*! WELLINGTON, November S. The extent of building operations hi Australia at the present time was commented on by Mr W. S. Newburgh, of Christchurch, who returned from Sydney by the Awatea to-day. Mr Newburgh. who flew from Sydney• to Adelaide in five hours and a half., had a wonderful view of the country and particularly the irrigation scheme in the Mildura district. He mentioned that the average flying speed of the Lockheed machines used on the service by the New Guinea Airways, Ltd, • was 175 miles an hour. Discussing Australian timber imports. Mr Newburgh said that recently nine lumber-ships arrived at Sydney within a fortnight, bringing 31.000,000 ft of timber from America and British Columbia. An additional 12,000.000 ft was due last week “and before Christmas 20 more timber-shins were expected. . Australia appeared prosperous, unemployment was decreasing and secondary industries were working at high pressure. As evidence of the prosperity Mr Newburgh mentioned that for the year ended June 30. 1937, Australia’s exports in sterling value amounted to £128,000,000, and her imports to £93,000,000, giving a surplus of exports over imports of £35,000.000.; High prices were ruling for wool, meat, wheat, and metals of all kinds. One feature which had interested him was that during the year the Commonwealth had exported in Australian currency. almost £1,000,000 worth of eggs. The impression that Australia was prospering was also gained by Mr C. Milner,- general manager of S. Kirkpatrick and Company. Ltd.. Nelson, who returned by the Awatea to-day from Sydney. During the three weeks he was away he noticed that even drought areas were doing well. High ' prices for wool and other commodities and a wonderful export trade generally augured well for a splendid yew. Referring to the growth of secondary industries in the Commonwealth Mr Milner said the assistance given by the Government had encouraged many overseas firms to establish factories in Australia. As instances, n« said, leading makers of men’s hats and a well-known firm of biscuit manufacturers had both opened factories « Sydney.