TRADE WITH THE EAST

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 102, 27 October 1923, Page 13

TRADE WITH THE EAST

The important question to be considered by the Australian- Commonwealth Ministry in respect to the development of trade with the Far East is whether the possible gain to fruitgrowers and others will be commensurate to the heavy cO3t that would be involved if steamship owners are to be subsidised for placing refrigerated vessel* on that route. From the tenor of recent official statements on the subject it would appear that the views of a section of exporters about the possibilities of an expansion of trade are too optimistic.

The Minister of Customs (Mr. Chapman)!, therefore, has demanded from shippers concrete proposals that will substantiate their claims for an admittedly heavy expenditure in tha shape of subsidies. British shipowners have gone very carefully into the costs of running steamers to Singapore", Hong Kong, and Shanghai direct from Australian ports, based upon the quantity of cargo likely to'be forthcoming, and they are satisfied that on every trip losses would be heavy. In addition, it would be necessary to refit the steamers available for the trade, and this would entail additional heavyexpenditure. The cost, of sending the vessels to Australia must be taken into account. The Minister has been apprised of details in this connection, and told the acnount that shipowners would require annually as compensation. Exporters will be required to undertake to supply sufficient cargo to fill the refrigerated space that may be allotted to them from time to time. The taxpayer is expected to meet the cost, but that may be roduced if Mr. Chapman insists that those who talk of the ease of filling the spiice be compelled to accept the responsibility that cargo shall b« forthfceniinfi. Something moro thnn inUi i«