A SHOW BOAT

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 106, 8 May 1933, Page 6

A SHOW BOAT

AUSTRALIA'S VENTURE

TRADE WITH EAST

(From "The Post's" Representative) SYDNEY, April 20. Australia's most elaborate venture in its drive for trade commenced on Tuesday when the big modern whitopainted Dutch ship, the Nieu Holland, left Sydney for the Netherlands East Indies. The Nieu Holland was magnificently fitted up as an exhibition ship, and started on her goodwill mission with the blessing of the Federal Government, the producers of the Commonwealth, and the manufacturers. It is hoped that the show boat will forge a link of reciprocal trade between the Commonwealth and the.East. A delegation of representative Australian manufacturers is travelling in the ship, the- idea being to establish new trade relations with merchants who are unaware of Australia's ■' industrial development. Already a good market has1 been secured in the East for Australian flour and butter, but it is felt that opportunities exist for trade in various other commodities. In this connection canned fruit has been especially cited. The ship has been prepared so that it resembles a bazaar, for there are more than fifty decorated stalls exhibiting a variety of wares from radio sets, shaving brushes, illuminated electric signs, to standardised motor bodies; from biscuits, leather, smoked hams, and woollen and worsted fabrics to perfumery,- bath-heaters, champagne, and fruits. The whole exhibition can be regarded as fairly representative of all that Australia produces and makes, and is a tribute to Australia's desire to expand her markets. Tho ports of call will include Macassar, Sourabaya,' Samarang, Cheribon, Batavia, Singapore, Pcnang, and Delawan Deli (Medan). Some of the delegates will leave the ship at Singapore and go on to Hong Kong for the British Fair there, for since Hong Kong is the main gateway into China, it is considered possible that new business channels will be opened up there between Australia and China. A representative of the- National Travel Association of Australia will travel in the Nieu Holland, and he will hold a. special display on the main deck at all the ports of call. Most of the places will bo visited twice. By posters and circulars, as well as by word of mouth, he will tell of the attractions which Australia has to offer the tourist. Special records of Australian bird calls have been .prepared, and there will be moving pictures as well. The captain, of the Nieu Holland (Captain Schilling) said he was confident that the whole venture would be a great success. There was increased interest in the East in Australia, and it was recognised that Australia provided a market that was near at hand. Trade could be developed that would be of mutual benefit.. This is the first occasion in which the manufacturers and producers have combined to advertise their wares. In the past there has been a. certain amount of jealousy between the two factions, and it is generally hoped that the end of the rivalry has arrived and that in the future both sections will work hand in hand for their own good and for the good of the Commonwealth. The show boat venture is at least encouraging.