FRENCH MISSION

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 154, 27 December 1918, Page 8

FRENCH MISSION

TALK WITH MANUFACTURERS.

Dr. Siegfried and M. Matthieu, representing the French Mission, had an interesting interview with the council of the New South Wales Chamber of Manufactures recently, when they discussed the question of trade between France and Australia. Dr. Siegfried said that the members of the Mission were aware' that the Chamber of Manufacturers looked, first, to the interests of Australian manufacturers, but there were many things which Australia did not manufacture which France did, and there were many. semimanufactured articles which Australian manufacturers required ; which' France could supply. He hoped that manufacturers would remember that fact when they were discussing the tariff which was sure to be introduced in the near future. During the discussion the members of the Mission were assured that French manufacturers would receive the warmest support in the development of those goods which did not enter into direct conflict with our own manufactures. It was pointed out that if the French hoped to largely increase the exports to, Australia of goods which had hitherto been largely purchased from other European nations they would have to send experts here with samples, and thus familiarise Australian buyers witli French products. It was also pointed out that a large improvement was necessary in French shipping. Dr. Siegfried, in reply, said that the Mission was prepared to recommend to their .Government the necessity of establishing a bureau in Sydney, where buyers could 'inspect samples and be put in ' touch with French manufacturers. This, ha was sure, would be done immediately They would also recommend to the French people the necessity of sending direct representatives of the various firms, who would quote prices and could take direct orders. The question of shipping wa,s receiving their careful consideralion. The Auckland Herald states that the members of the Mission will attend the Auckland "Racing Club's Meeting at Ellerslie to-morrow. They will be the guests of Dr. H. W. Cleary, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, on Sunday morning, and in the afternooh will be taken around the harbour. The present arrangement is that the party will leave Auckland by the Main Trunk express on Sunday night for Hamilton, whence, they will proceed next morning to Rotorua. After spending two or three days at Rotorua they will go to Taumarutiui, make the trip down the Wanganui River, and go on to Wellington and the South Island. The Mission will return to Auckland about 15th January, when* prior to their departure on th% Niagara, they will be the guests at a civic function.