Lack Of Shipping Considered Bar To New Caledonia Trade

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29898, 11 August 1962, Page 18

Lack Of Shipping Considered Bar To New Caledonia Trade

(N^J’^.-Reuter—Copyright) NOUMEA (New Caledonia), August 9. Much could be imported from New Zealand by the New Hebrides if there were more regular shipping. This is the opinion of members of the New Zealand trade mission, which came to the conclusion that this lack is the only r difficulty’ if New Zealand is to compete effectively with Australia in this territory.

The lack of shipping on which to build New Zealand trade was referred to by the Acting-Britiah Resident Commissioner (Mr Colin H Allan), himself a New Zealander once resident in Hamilton. in his speech of welcome to the mission at Port Vila.

Trade between the New Hebrides and New Zealand had. until now, been slight and "we should all like it to increase.” he said. Effort By N.Z. But such an increase would not be achieved without a considerable effort on New Zealand's part. The high quality of New Zealand foodstuffs was well

known and local residents had been glad of the brief opportunity they had last year—when several calls were made at Vila by New Zealand vessels —of sampling some New Zealand meat and dairy products New Zealand manufactured goods were probably less well known Major Difficulties There were two major difficulties for New Zealand One was breaking into a market where countries which enjoyed the advantage of frequent and regular shipping services had been long established, and the other was the lack of regular shipping contacts between the New Hebrides and New Zealand Quality, good packaging, and advantageous prices were all necessary if New Zealand wished to break into the market. Much would depend on the progressive economic devel-

opment of the group and the raising of the living standards of the Melanesians who comprise about 90 per cent, of the population

This was the first time a trade mission of such a size had visited the New Hebrides and neighbouring Pacific territories.

The acting-French Resident Commissioner (Mr F. Lamodiere) was also present to join in the welcome to the New Zealanders, who later met most of the official and commercial communities before breaking off to discuss individual business.

Members reported a good reception and many of them placed worthwhile orders, dependent, of course, on shipping. These included a good order for New Zealand lager, which is already on sale in Port Vila.