CO-ORDINATION

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 51, 29 August 1934, Page 9

CO-ORDINATION

TRADE WltH AUSTRALIA

MR. R. H. NESBITT'S DUTIES

FIRST CO3IMISSIONER

1 The first rosidenfc, Australian Trade Commissioner, Mr. B. 11. Nesbitt, who arrived today by tho. AVungunella, looked 'forward,'lie said'in an interview, to making many friends here, as lie had been greatly struck by tho display of friendship by travellers to Australia from Hew Zealand, who had imido a point of tailing on him in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as members of the Dominion. Government Departments, who* had been most courteous in their expressions of goodwill. PROBLEMS LIKE OUR QWN. "Ttie appointment, by the Government of the Commonwealth of Aus: .tralia, of a Trade Commissioner to re* side in, Now Zealai.u is a definite evidence of the desire for closer relationship between the two great countries which are component parts Of the wonderful British Empire and, further, it is a gesture of good will and. brotherhood towards ■ New Zealand by Australia," ,said Mr. Nesbitt. "Situated as we are at tho greatest distance from the centre of Empire movements it is very apparent that New Zealand and Australia have many problems of ,a similar nature both nationally and commercially, but, by-having resident representation in each country, facility is provided for a readier.exchange or ' views on questions of moment; and importance. ' ~ -,•■ „■',', "For some years past .New Zealand has had a resident representative in Australia, and, incidentally, Mr. L. J. Scbmitt, the gentleman occupying that office, is held in very high esteem and lOgard by Australians: with, whom he has contacted, but it'was only as a reault of the official visit to New Zealand by Senator Sir Walter Massy Greene in 1933 that the Commonwealth. Government decided to create this posi- • tion of Trade Commissioner, thus following the example-' and precedent established by the Dominion. The visit of the Hon. F. H. Stewart (Minister lor Commcrco in tho Australian^ Government) at tho time of the Waita'ngi celebrations early this year,; confirmed tho recommendation of Senator Sir Walter Massy Greene/ and, almost com-i-idont with his return to Australia, recommended the Government to make the appointment immediately. It is very gratifying to know that tho Government arid the commercial interests of the Dominion have expressed themselves as in support of this action and already cordial welcomes , havo been extended to tho Commissioner:" IN TOUCH WITH INDUSTRIES. Tho commercial community of Australia considered that in tho creation of such a position, as it would have to deal'largely with, business matters, to «ive satisfaction both in New : Zealand and in Australia, it was requisite that a person -who had had commercial training and experience should be appointed, and not one from the Commonwealth Public Service. Sinco.'.the.,announcejfiont of tho appointment, Mr. Nosbitt has'spent many weeks in visiting the States of the Commonwealth, and thus has had an opportunity personally of sooing at work many of tho industries, both largo, and small, which are inter-, csted iv trade with the Dominion, as ■well as discovering at first hand some of the problems and difficulties that may have to be solved in the course oMho duties b£ his oflico. ■ . MUTUAL DEFENCE INTERESTS. !The.appointment, is made, said Mr. Xesbitt, so that not only will the Trade Commissioner be able: to .attend to inquiries on trade matters from the commercial community of each country but also so thai" tlie .Goyoinmcnt of tho •Commonwealth of Australia •may. havo n direct representative -to yoice its views or opinions: on any matter which directly 'affects < trade,, commercial standing, or the Governmental rela-' lionships of the two countries. This latter aspect of the position is _ imjiortant, in view of the ardent national consciousness displayed by a number ot: Ok\ World nations and the probable desirability, of New Zealand and Australia having to act in concert to preserve their various industries, particularly the primary ones, and iv the various matters.in which they have a delinitely mutual Interest. Should such policy bo found to be practicable an exchange of views between tho Governments on the'subjects will be made much easier. -..■■■ ' THE TRADE AGREEMENT. "The trade agreement entered into last year by the Governments is one which should enable, trade to flow with j/reater ease and freedom between New Zealand and Australia," Mr. Nesbitt said.-"Each and every citizen of the two countries is vitally interested m this'agreement arid there are many channels of trades due for subsequent exploration by which" the agreement may bo amplified and extended" to the advantage of each party to it. As already stated, Tiowever, the direct inters est and manifest activity of every resident of the Dominion and of the (Comliionwealth are required to make tho trade agreement a success and as our interests are common and our ancestry is one, the attitude of mind towards its operation should be mutually sympathetic' ■ ■ SOLVING PROBLEMS. '"There arc certain problems in relation to some of. the- primary products Of both countries still presenting difficulties, but the method applied and tho spirit evinced at the recent conference liold at Canberra of scientific and technical officers (at which New Zealand was ably, represented by Dr. Cunningham), are the right ones, and in future years by adopting and pursuing such, a policy these and similar problems should be overcome before they assume gigantic proportions, making the pathway of commerce and industry easier to'follow. ■•' Iv past years, probably in a measure because of there being no Resident Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, the viewpoint of ■cither country has not been fully presented or understood, hence difficulties have arisen which have lasted over years, and in some instances wrong impressions thus created havo yot to be eradicated. It will be my privilege to endeavour to place the viewpoint of the Commonwealth, of Australia not only before the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand but also before the people of New Zealand and .in this way it is hoped to bring about a very much better understanding as to the attitude and outlook of the Government, of the commercial and of the primary producing sections of the Commonwealth." With the creation of the Eesjdent Commissionership, Australia's tourist interests, which in the past have been ender the direction of Mr. S. W. M. Stilling, of the Australian National Travel Association, will be now under the care and guidance of the Commissioner in a similar manner to that which i.i in operation in. Australia under the New Zealand representative. It is •hoped by close co-operation in all matter's'affect ing tourists so to interest the residents of countries overseas that Ilicy will visit and make the complete lour of Australia and. New Zealand.. -

Mr. Xpsbitr lins not ju-ovioii.'sFy •yisilijd the Dominion.