WEST OF ENGLAND TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 305, 18 September 1908, Page 8

WEST OF ENGLAND TRADE.

o SOME PARTICULARS. Some time ago &e Government commissioned Mr. J. L. Kelly, a Wellington journalist, to report on trade between New Zealand and the West of England. He give's it as tho opinion of British traders that tho trade is capable of 'vcry great" expansion. At -present largo quantities of New Zealand meat and dairy produco reach the teeming population of the west by way of London. A direct service would, he says, benefit the New Zealand producors.. He emphasises tho necessity for a regular- and 'more frequent service. Glasgow, -he says, has- not received the attention it deserves as a centre for tho sale of NewZealand product's, especially mutton, la.mb, butter, and cheese. The conservatism of the British trader, the indifference of tho New Zealand producer, the irrogular sailings, and the'.objection'in New Zealand to sale on consignment are factors in limiting the trade. To!improve the .'service Mr. Kelly urges increased private effort. Ho thinks the meatfreezing companies and dairy organisations should establish agencies in different British centres to push and supervise tho _ sale of their products. Tho agency established in Bristol by tho Christchurch Meat Company is a striking, objcct-lesson. for others to copy. He .suggests catering for; tho varied tastes of 'the British in . different parts, also the forming of special commercial organisations to i regulate.; business and securo equitable arrangements, as to freights, bills of lading, etc.-" He suggests-subsidising the steamboat service to Bristol, - Liverpool, Manchester, .and .Glasgow. . Ho; advocates tho reorganising and strengthening of the produce branch : of' the High Commissioner's-Depart-ment, which-, is inadequately manned. The office should bo nearer the docks, the meat market, and the principal important establishments in London. Other points recommended are the systematic advertising of New Zealand's products,, tho opening of retail shops, tho branding of meat,'strictor grading of .butter and hemp, the bettor-handling of pj-qduce, distribution of leaflets, in butter-blending, and the removal of tho export duty on timber sent to the United' Kingdom.