WOOL EXPORTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1931, Page 14

WOOL EXPORTS

DECLINE SINCE 1919

HARBOUR BOARD FIGURES

GEOWEES' DIFFICULTIES

In commenting upon the statements presented at tho statutory annual meeting of the Harbour Board last evening, tho chairman, Mr. J. W. M'Ewan, referred particularly to tho decline in wool exports in recent years, which drew a reply from Mr. T. E. Barrcr, of the Wairarapa, in which he referred to the serious financial difficulties faced by the wool grower. "During tho year," said Mr. M'Ewan, "161,261 bales of wool were shipped, as against 1955,526 in the preceding year; a decrease of 3-1,20j bales. As wo do approximately one-third of the shipping business of the Dominion, the decrease would bo 102,795 bales for tho Dominion. Going back to 1920-21, the number of bales shipped from Wellington was 170,071; in 1921-22, 200,302 bales. "On the tonnage basis 5 bales to the .ton, we find there was more wool handled on the wharves in 1913 and 1919 than in any year since. Tho Year Book figures give practically tho same results for tho Dominion. Practically there is little increase in shipments of wool for fifteen years. Hemp and tow dropped from 72,442 bales in 1925-2(3 to 39,124 bales last year. Frozen meat, butter, and cheese show satisfactory quantity results, though prices are low. COMPARATIVE IMPORTS. "The total value of goods landed in Wellington was £.16.11)7,499, approximately one-third of tho Dominion's vimports. United Kingdom imports fell in value from £9,014,595 in 1921 to £7,----(551,279 in. 1930, but increased by £103,----499 over 1929. Canadian imports increased from £608,495 in 1021 to £1,----525,545 in 3930. Australia—l92l, £2,----134.761; 1930, £1,545,511. Germany— 1921, £15,218; 1930, £222,019. United States—l92l, £3,478,505; 1929, £4,----062,811; 1930, £3,510,026. Oil fuel, increased from 3582 tons in 1922 to 247,----731 tons in 1930. Benzine and kerosenealso showed increases. "To conclude," said the chairman, "it is evident to me that if we are to progress along the best possible lines we must export more. This can be brought about only by the development of our natural resources. If this were done to a greater extent than in the past: tho Harbour Board and tho Dominion would greatly benefit." THE GROWERS' HURDLE. It had been suggested, said Mr. Barrcr, that the development of the pastoral lands of the Dominion should be seriously undertaken. The grower was quite aware of that, but he was faced with the difficulty of cost. To treat the pastoral lands of the, Dominion would be a very costly item. Even in the best years the financial difficulties the wool grower had to face had been almost insuperable. Referring to the much-discussed deduction of one pound in every hundred in respect of the packing of wool, Mr. Barrcr said that though 1 per cent, might seem an insignificant amount to the individual grower, it meant a loss to the Dominion of between 5000 and (5000 bales per annum, and 1 per cent, on tho capital sunk in the growth of wool in the Dominion would mean the loss of the whole of that capital in 36 years. The imposition was practically 'indefensible, and to-day not only was that loss to be faced,'but the cost_ of all services and expenses in connection with the industry were increasing. Much of the land was deteriorating, and it would entail great expense to bring it back again. The lower lands of the Dominion could perhaps be treated by machinery, but the pastoral lands would have to bo hand-dressed and sown, and with the cost of labour to-day that was impossible. A standard of living had been set up that on a world parity could not bo maintained. It was all very well for one section to say that they must have a certain standard of living, but New Zealand had to compete with other countries. He agreed that development must take place if Now Zealand was to. pay her way—as she must —and there was no royal road lo that except work and more work. ROAD AGAINST RAIL. In regard to transport, continued Mr. Barrcr, what had been done? With 70 millions involved in railways the country had laid roads parallel with the railways, and notwithstanding the fact that it had been said that road transport cost Is 6d per mile as against the 3d that would show a profit on the rail, the road system\ of transport had been successfully carried on, and the best portion of the railway traffic had been trenched upon. Ho could understand it had tho feeder roads been first attended to. No less than eight millions had been written off the railways, and if that was not enough more would be written off. ■ Mr. Barrer protested against the taxation of the farmer for main roads which passed near his property but from which he gained little or no benefit and referred also to the large sums spent upon the development of harbours which could only bo suitable for small craft. . , Although New Zealand was in the throes of a depression, said Mr. M'Ewan, in reply, there might be a "reat deal in the words of Shakespeare, that there was, after all, a soul of goodness in things that appeared evil, and tho depression, might force upon the attention responsibilities that had been taken rather too lightly.