AUSTRALIAN TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 58, 6 September 1934, Page 15

AUSTRALIAN TRADE

N.Z. CONTACTS

GOODS NEEDED HERE

ADDRESS BY MR. R. H.

NESBITT

"We havo many and varied industries which are of interest to New Zealand and which may bo made of greater interest in the future," said Mr. E., H. Nesbitt, the recently appointed resident Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, at a luncheon of welcome given by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce ni Kirkcaldio and Stains' rooms yesterday, at which some 70 members of ' tho chamber and guests were present. The president of the chamber, Mr. D. J. McGowan, presided, and among the others present were the Hon. R. Masters, Minister of Industries and Commerce; Dr. E. Marsden, secretary of tho Scientific; and Industrial Research Department; Mr. G. W. Clinkard, of the Tourist and Publicity branch; Mr. R. Boulter, C.M.G., H.M, Trade Commissioner; Mr. H. H. Sterling,chairman of tho Eailways Board; and Mr. M. G-. C. McCaul, vice-president of the chamber. AUSTRALIAN WINES. Notwithstanding the fact that New Zealaud had a tariff in favour of South Africa, said Mr. Nesbitt, Australia, had made a very good name for her wines hi the Dominion. It was a big South Australian industry, and at o-ne place alone he had seen fivo million gallons of brandy stored. In the past there had been an interesting controversy over Australia's right .to call its wines "Port" "Burgundy," andso on. Not only Australia's right to tlio original names had been challenged, but that ot other countries also, by France. Burcniudy" and "Port" were names which belonged to the world, though the original countries' of production wero anxious fo preservo their distinction. In tho cases of such wines produced _ outside the original countries of origin it had been decided to add the word While New Zealand' did not need to import much wheat, said Mr. Nesbitt,; there had sometimes been difficulties inobtaining suitable blends for flourmaking in the Dominion. The qualities of wheat needed to supplement the New Zealand crops were ready for export mSydney, and Australia could meet inquiries for any grade of wheat or' flour. Claiming that-Australian rice was possibly even better than the' product of Eastern growers, Mr. Nesbitt said that Australia produced 30,000. tons of noe a year, of which it absorbed ■ some 25,000 tons. SECONDARY INDUSTRIES. Discussing secondary industries, the Commissioner referred to, the large motor-body building industry of Australia, and said that there were some very largo plants. He had seen one factory with 3000 hands, turning out 60 bodies a day. Other motor-car parts and accessories were made in a large number of factories. Important industries also' were steel and fabricated metal making, electrical equipment, glass and crystal, pottery, shoes ana apparel, and confectionery. One confectionery factory employed more than 2000 hands. There were no fewer than 22,000 factories employing 350,000 persons, with •an annual wage bill of £55,000,000. ' ' ' ■• : .:. , , Mr Masters said he was very glad to welcome Mr. Nesbitt, and he also expressed pleasure .that tho Governl ments of Australia had at last appointed a Trade Commissioner to New Zealand. Mr. Nesbitt's duties -would bring, him mostly into contact with the speakor, who looked forward to discussing some of the existing problems with a view to.their elimination. He thought that some of the matters brought forward by Mr. Nesbitt'were well worthy of consideration. • ■• . ■ ■ •