NEW MARKETS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 61, 9 September 1914, Page 2

NEW MARKETS

i . . , .«». . . .. — HIGH COMMISSIONER'S ACTIVITY A SUCCESSFUL MOVEMENT. (FROM OUR 01VN COhftMPONMNr.) LONDON, 31st July. Mr. Mackenzie has almost completed his Becond year of oflice as High Commissioner for New Zealand, Hiß activities have been Very largely directed to improving the handling of New Zealand frozen meat and extending the markets for our products. With a view to show» ing what has been done up to date, I have had a, talk with Mr. Mackenzie on tlie question, in which he discussed the present position 'of the movement. THE OUT PORTS. Questioned on the progress that is be* ing made at the different ports in the United Kingdom other than London, Mr. Mackenzie said : "it is pretty well known what is being done in Bristol, and Mr. Riseley has just returned from New Zealand atter having, I understand, had a very successful vis't. There is to be a large cold store erected at that port with the most modern improve* menls. "The great improvement in the appear* ance and condition of meat landed direct by steamar from New Zealand in Southampton, will greatly .increa-se the sale of that article there. ,New land meat, whe-. it was sent through London to the Southampton Cold stores, presented a most unsatisfactory appear* ance. Soiled and torn wrappers and general lack of condition were what 1 saw in the case of much of the meat that had been taken through London and over the railway to that port THE HULL TRADE. "Hull is the most important direct con.* section that has been established with New Zealand for many years. There is undoubtedly a wide market for much of the delicate foodstuffs that we have to send—meat, dairy produce, and fruit (when a surplus is available tor this market). I have been to Hull three times recently in connection with the arrival of the llakaia, in order that I might' see the actual working of the pol\ the facilities for discharging and the general condition of the meat Regarding the Rakaia- cargo, the Canterbury people put 20UU carcases on board for Newcastle, which were placed on top of the meat intended for Hull, and this necessitated an enormous amount of handling and ex* posttreunder imperfect conditions. Had the weather been bad, great damage would have resulted. I understand that this was no fault of the ship, but the fault of the shippers. And if We at tStis end struggle to improve the shipping conditions in the United Kihgdom, the least we can expect the New Zealand people to do is to see that everything is carried out at their end in a satisfactory manner. At present the conditions at Hull are unsatisfactory, but' with the new dock just opened and the extensive cold stores under construction, there will be ample accommodation. We, of course, hope that the cold store accommodation will not be handed over to any companies or individuals that will exclude the general shipper in New Zealand from obtaining full accommodation for the meat that the Dominion has to send to that port, a-nd the Port Authorities on oui? explaining this, agreed to what we asked. " Newcastle is'at presetot most imperfectly provided with facilities, but there is enterprise at that port and the authorities will, if the demand prevails, and direct shipping continues, make the I necessary preparation for proper hancUing and storage. The enormous populations adjacent to these two centres should furnish scope for a, great development of our trade. The shipping companies bAve been good enough to agree to my re* quest not to require a subsidy from us, and they are assisting us by charging the same rates for freight to Hull and Newcastle as they do to London., but the greatest advantage of all is the fact that produce will arrive without handling and consequent deterioration at intermediate ports. Liverpool promises to increase her imports, but her accommodation is also imperfet. The Port authorities, however, have promised that they \yill see to the necessary improvements being made." Asked what were the prospects of London itself, Mr. Mackenzie said : " I have in my mind at the moment proposals which, if given effect to, will, with tho improvement in the accommodation at the Port of London, reduce damage claims enormously if not to a minimum, with a corresponding advantage in W sened insurance charges on cargo from New Zealand. The benefit of these should undoubtedly be enjoyed by the farmer." At Cardiff, another great centre <|f population, Mr. Mackenzie has already carried on some negotiations 4pt the improvement of shipping conditions, and next week he will go to open tho cold stores there.