LONG WAY ROUND

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 51, 28 August 1940, Page 5

LONG WAY ROUND

A SEARCH FOR GOODS

SOUTH AFRICAN MERCHANTS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, August 27

Wartime hazards of the Atlantic and a search for new sources from which to draw manufactured goods of many descriptions were reasons influencing a number' of South African business men who passed through Auckland by the Mariposa today to choose such a circuitous route in order to reach the United States.

Several of them are making regular business visits to America. One of the party is Mr. S. Cohen, owner of chain stores throughout the Union of South Africa and Rhodesia. Because supplies of many commodities were now unobtainable from European countries, he decided to try Australia and was amazed to find the variety of manufactured goods that the country could offer. Australia had begun to advertise its manufactures on a considerable scale in South Africa during recent years, but he had not realised the extent to which industry had progressed since the war began, and most European countries had been cut off. Britain and the United States were sharing the bulk of the Union's trade, it was stated. Other sources were needed, however, and Australia would help to meet the position.

Several of the travellers regretted that their arrangements did not permit them to stay in New Zealand to see what the Dominion might have to offer.