OVERSEA TRADE

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 322, 8 October 1908, Page 4

OVERSEA TRADE

OPENINQS FOR MEW ZEALAND PRODUCTS. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT. The Minister for Industries and Commerce (Hon. J. M'Gowan), in the annual report presented to Parliament, congratulates the Dominion on tho stability of its trade and commerce. He says tliero is evidence of a better demand for wool and hemp. Reports aro to hand of a bountiful harvest in the United States and Canada, and tho effect of this ou tho financial conditions of those countries will have a beneficial influence on tho wool and hemp markets: It is well kuown that the world's output of wool is not increasing in the same ratio as tho population of wool-consuming countries, and, therefore, there docs not seem to be any possibility of the supply being in excess of tho demand in tho immediate future. . in regard to trade with Canada, tho Minister states:—"ln addition to a very substantial quantity of this country's exports which is finding its way into the eastern ports of Canada, chiefly via London, I am confident that a very good trade is to bo done with the western ports of that country in butter, frozen meat, hemp, wool, etc., wlion more suitable shipping facilities arcavailable. Unfortunately, the present subsidised steamers between New Zealand and Vancouver are not provided with refrigeratorspaco, but it is hoped that this drawback may be remedied later. Tho Canadian steam service has been running regularly every alternate month between New Zealand ports and Vancouver and vice versa. The steamers now in commission'are much superior to those first employed in tho service." THE UNITED KINGDOM. Tho secretary of tho Department considers that more attention is necessary in making known the valuo of our produce,, and more extended efforts should bo made to enlarge the markets. Much has been done by the Department through the High Commissioner's office, and this work is proving of great value, but it lias taken up practically tho whole of tho time of the commercial staff attached to the office. Much work is required in tho way of extending a knowledge of our produce and in seeing as far as possible that our goods reach the consumer as New Zealand produce. It is very well known that our butter, cheese, and meat are fraudulently sold in very large 'quantities as tho produce of Great Britain, Ireland, or othor countries; and money expended in checking such practices would, in his opinion, be well spent. He also recommonds efforts being mado to procuro a more speedy and frequent steamer service with West of England ports, and that tlio question of a direct service to East Coast ports, such as Hull, West Hartlepool, Middlesborough, and Tynomouth should receive attention. The port of Hull (according to official report) servos a population of over ten millions: He considers that the cabled market reports from the High Commissioner could lie made more valuable if they wero sent with greater frequency when marked fluctuations in the market- take place, or when any special conditions are operating for or against tho market. TRADE WITH THE EAST. Tho possibilities of New Zealand showing largely in the Eastern trade in the immediate future are not.encouraging, says>the secretary. To obtain a footing a direct steamer service is essential, and tho trado likely to bo .secured is not sufficient to induco any steamship company to put .on a lino of steamers unless siioh a lino wero subsidised so largely as to bo boyond the possibility of acceptanco by tho Government. Later, when Japan has recovered somewhat from her financial disabilities consequent on tho war, it might 'bo possible with sufficient encouragemont to attempt a direct steam servico. REMOUNTS FOR INDIA. Breeders of live-stock-mightwith advantage devoto a little attentioii .to the pro-, spoct of participating in the shipment' of horses to India-as remounts. " The Indian Government pays £35 per horse. Tho shippers make up the apportionment of this amount from their sido of tho question as follows: — Prico to shippers, £25; profit, about £4; expenses from placo of salo to depot in India, £6; freight, £7; agoncy fees, £1; averago loss on horses rejected, about £2. It is estimated that about 2500 remounts are annually sent away from' Australia. Germany also has ! been calling upon tho colonies for remounts for West Africa. In July 420 horses were shipped # in. ono steamer from Sydney, to Angra l'iquerra (German West Africa). TRADE WITH .CANADA. Mr.' J. Graham Gow, in his report on n tour in Canada, says:—"The Canadian merchants aro most anxious to do business with tho Dominion, and would pfefor to buy direct. They are thorough Imperialists, and great supporters of the preferential tariff, and would do all • ill their power to build up a trade, seeing that a reciprocal treaty is in operation. I am sorry, however, to report that there is an impression abroad that when an importer cables for quotations to the New Zealand market tho exporters _ apparently think that there must bo a.riso in tho market, and as a consequence invariably quote 'a stiff price. To do a satisfactory business with Canada our merchants would require to appoint representatives empowered to quote, prices and arrange terms of settlement and bo responsible to the buyer in tlio event of goods not arriving .according to samplo or quality of brand. This is specially the caso as regards wool. Buyers state that tho wool samples I had on exhibition wero most suitable for their requirements."