THE WOOL MARKET

Evening Star, Issue 21722, 17 May 1934, Page 7

THE WOOL MARKET

SYBNEY SALES i Association-By Telegraph— Copyright | SYDNKY, May 10At the wool sales 5.3G4 bales were offered mid 6,167 sold, while 3,5' 1 wcre disposed of privately. Competition was move widely distributed and values were on a par with the previous day s rates. Germany and France were the chief operators, supported by Japan and Yorkshire. Greasv merino made to •J3:UI. JAMAICA. TRADE OPENIN&S AN OPTIMISTIC BULLETIN [Pbr United Press Association.l WELLINGTON. .A lay 16. The prospects for the development ol markets for New Zealand products in the British West .Indies are discussed in a bulletin prepared by the Department of Industries and Commerce, and released to-night by the Minister (Mr 'Masters). The bulletin lias been compiled from a report by the New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner iu Canada (Mr J. W. Collins). In an accompanying statement the Minister announced that only that day he had received information that the Legislature of Jamaica was very desirous of extending two-way trade between New Zealand and that country. In 1932 the imports into Jamaica were valued at £4,754,152, and the goods sent there by New Zealand that year were valued at £ls. It was pleasing, however, to note that during the niue months ended September 30, 1933, New Zealand had exported butter to Jamaica to the value of £22,495 and cheese to the value of £394. Although the trade for butter and cheese might be more or less limited, there wore possibilities in other directions for trade in other by-products of milk. For instance, 4,500,0001 bof condensed milk went to Jamaica in the nine months ended September 30 last, and of that quantity New Zealand sent only 3341 b. In addition to that there was an opening for other products such as fruit, meat, powdered milk, and so forth. The Minister said he was hopeful that a 3 a result of the publication of the bulletin not only the primary producing organisations, but also the secondary industries, would take full advantage of the information given thehi, and set about doing their utmost to open up commerce with Jamaica. The bulletin, after giving information in detail, stated that in the West Indies trade was invariably conducted by British, houses of high integrity. New Zealand packs required little or no variation. The currency was British. The regulations governing imports were simple, and, given regular steamer calls, trade with Jamaica should not merely expand, but become stabilised as the years passed by. New Zealand had gained great goodwill from the limited trade already done, and it was undoubtedly that keenness existed among the merchants and retailers to have a closer connection with New Zealand exporters. There was no hesitation in stating that the whole question of trade with Jamaica depended largely upon a continuance of goodwill. The trade must, in short, be reciprocal. Due emphasis had been paid to the point that the dominion's trade may How in narrow channels, but in the brief, time available it was demonstrated that almost every product NewZealand exported iu quantity would find some reception in Jamaica. Butter and cheese offered the most likely stable trade, but the possibilities of marketing heavy-weight mutton should not be ignored. ' Despite the threatened imposition of increased duties on fresh meat (frozen), the comparatively low prices at which mutton could be produced in New Zealand should ensure a substantial demand, while first or second quality lamb would-find immediate favour with the European section. Referring to Jamaica, the bulletin states that this island is the largest and in some respects the most valuable of the West Indies from a trade point of view, and was likely, with' proper exploitation, to be an important consumer of New Zealand products. New Zealand has for the past year, and particularly during the latter end of it, enjoyed almost a complete monopoly <4' the butter trade of the island.

.The quality of our butter is considered to be superior to that from any other country, continues the report, and there can be no doubt, as long as New Zealand can uiedt the competition of other countries, that she will continue to sell the bulk of the butter marketed. It is well established, but in order to maintain our reputation for quality greater care will be necessary in its handling at ■Jamaica. Given an opportunity to supply the market regularly and conforming more closely to the weight required, there is no reason why New Zealand shippers should not capture a large share of the cheese trade, as that which has already sold lias given satisfaction so far as its price and quality are concempd. To a very limited extent New Zealand canned fruit had been, and was being, marketed in Jamaica. The fruit comprised apricots, pears, and peaches. During the season, April, May, and June, , the market, was bare of quality fruit, giving an opportunity for testing the market with New Zealand apples. Bright coloured red apples were desired, and should command a ready sale with the wealthier section. Tinned meats and other specialty products from New Zealand were being successfully marketed in Jamaica. Satisfaction was expressed with the labelling and quality, but time would he required to demonstrate the extent of the consumer. demand. Sales could he augmented if expenditure on advertising could be authorised. It would be almost impossible to develop with New Zealand good 1 business in barrelled beef and pork unless a regular service were provided, BULOLO SHARES Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON'. .May IG. (Received May 17, at 1. a.m.) Bulolo sales are quoted at X'G 7s 6d. NEW GUINEA SHARES Press Association—By Telegraph- - Copyright. LONDON, May 16. (Received May J 7, at 11 a.m.) New Guinea shares are quoted at 6s 10-id.