N.Z. TRADE WITH NETHERLANDS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22300, 14 January 1938, Page 10

N.Z. TRADE WITH NETHERLANDS

A New Arrangement Concluded BIGGER MARKET FOR FRUIT Quota Granted For Raw Animal Fat (PBBS9 4380CIATIOK TBr.BQBAV.I WELLINGTON, January 13. A Gazette notice draws attention to the conclusion of a trade arrangement between New Zealand and the Netherlands. In an interview the Minister for Customs (the Hon. W. Nash) said that the arrangement takes the form of an exchange of letters between himself and the ConsulGeneral for the Netherlands for Australia and New Zealand, in Sydney, and becomes effective to-day. The arrangement completes the negotiations begun by Mr Nash during his visit to The Hague on June 29 last, when discussions took place between himself and representatives of the Netherlands Government about trade between the Netherlands and New Zealand. The figures of trade, in New Zealand currency, during recent years have been as follows: —

Exports to the Netherlands consist principally of hides and wool, and it would appear that outside of these there is little prospect of the development of nny substantial trade in any product other than fruit. The Netherlands is herself a large producer of dairy products and a very small importer of meat. New Zealand at present has some trade in apples with the Netherlands, through which, considerable quantities are also distributed to Central European countries. Export of Apples The primary purpose of the proposed trade arrangement is to safeguard and expand the trade in [apples. Under a trade agreement made between the Netherlands and the United States in 1935, a reduction was made in the monopoly fee payable on fresh apples and pears entering the Netherlands from four to two cents a kilo, equivalent to approximately Is (sterling) a bushel case. After representations, the Netherlands Government has since that time extended a similar concession to New Zealand fruit, to the extent of 690,000 kilos of apples (approximately 34,000 cases) and 12,000 kilos of pears, it being understood that negotiations would be undertaken when the opportunity permitted with a view to the conclusion of a trade agreement. Under the new arrangement, the Netherlands agree to permit the importation into the Netherlands of New Zealand fresh apples to a maximum quantity of 1400 metric tons (approximately 70.000 cases) during March 1 to June 30 each year at a reduced monopoly fee of two cents a gross kilo. This means that double the quantity hitherto admitted on this basis may now be imported, and it was felt, said Mr Nash, that this concession should be of considerable assistance in finding a market for New Zealand fruit. It is understood that pears are to be admitted on the same basis as hitherto. Further Concession A concession has also been made in respect of raw animal fat, for which a quota has been granted to the extent of 1000 metric tons a year. Quotas for this product are granted on the basis of 25 per cent, of the average importation from the country concerned during 1929, 1930, and 1931, and as New Zealand was not a supplier during that period she was not entitled to a quota. It is thought that there may be a possibility of developing some trade in this product. This Dominion undertakes under the arrangement to extend to Netherlands goods "most-favoured-nation" treatment in respect of tariff items, 76 cigars; 121 (1), medicinal preparations; 338 (1) to (8) inclusive and (10), electrical goods; 352, industrial machinery, and 397 (6) kalsomine. These items are included in the agreements already concluded with Belgium and Germany, and no new concessions are involved. MAIZE FROM DUTCH EAST INDIES IMPORTATION TO BE ALLOWED WITH PRECAUTIONS CfaiSß iggOC!ATIO» TIIIGBiU.) WELLINGTON. January 13. Last year a visit was paid to the Netherlands East Indies by Mr W. C. Barry, director of the Live Stock Division of the Department of Agriculture, who made a thorough investigation of the conditions under which the maize crop is grown and handled before shipment. Subject to certain precautions, it has been decided to permit the importation of maize from the Netherlands East Indies, after Mr Barry's report that this could be done without the danger of disease infection. The methods of harvesting and treating maize before shipment definitely preclude the possibility of con-

tamination with the virus of foot-and-mouth disease. Permits which will be issued by the Department of Agriculture will not be granted for arrival before April 20> and will be subject to the existing rates of duly. Maize will be packed in new bags at the port of shipment, and each consignment will be accompanied by a certificate issued by the Department of Economic Affairs in Java and visaed by the British Con-sulate-General at the port of shipment.

2-s o S N o "3 Q en O o en Id si * 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 (11 months) 64,372 164,562 78,585 111,796 110,966 116,796 139,611 161,480 210,397 248,871