TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 144, 21 June 1930, Page 8

TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—lt is rather remarkable ; how anxious Australians are becoming with reference to trade with New Zealand. They appear to be prepared now to consider a revision of the duties imposed on New Zealand produce. We must not overloow the, fact that Australia has built up a huge tariff wall against all countries with the object of compelling British and foreign manufac-' turers to erect large works in Australia for the employment of Australian labour. To some extent they have been successful, as indications have already been given that several large British and foreign concerns have decided to erect plants in Australia for the manufacture of their respective wares. Now the home consumption in Australia is limited, so, these manufacturers will have to look elsewhere for a market for their goods. New Zealand is the only important one offering, so what is the effect likely to be on our own manufacturers? That is a point which requires the very serious consideration of interested people in the Dominion. There is a grave danger of many of our own industrial concerns being faced * with intense competition in the near future, and steps should be taken to safeguard the position before it is too late. The Government's attitude over the coal question does not inspire one with confidence. One would have expected a very definite attitude to be adopted by the Government and a ready assurance that the coal industry would be safeguarded subject to satisfactory conditions obtaining here. In conclusion, may I- suggest the need of and desirability of increasing our trade with the United Kingdom, our greatest market, and the most friendly one, in preference to any trade. agreement with Australia, which, like the United States of America, wants its trade one way only?— I am, etc., : '

20th June.