DOMINION’S TRADE

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 October 1928, Page 7

DOMINION’S TRADE

A BRIGHT OUTLOOK INCREASED PRODUCTION (Preea Association.) WELLINGTON, October 12. Addressing the Associated Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference, the retiring President, Mr. D. G. Gowan, said they were met under happier trading conditions than a year ago. Evidently the lesson of economy had been learnt, at least for the time being. The outlook was particularly bright, and if the resources of the Dominion were husbanded and fused wisely, a period of sound prosperity lay before them. With regard to banking statistics, he said they made good reading, but it was too soon yet to give full statistical evidence of the favourable effect of the revised tariff on British trade. With British manufacturers becoming increasingly alive to the great possibilities of the market open for them in this Dominion, one might reasonably anticipate a much more substantial improvement next year. He made reference to the claim of New Zealand secondary industries on the people, and with reference to the recent Industrial Conference, and remarked that it was a most happy augury for peace in industry that such a conference had been enabled to discuss problems of mutual interest in a happy vein. The Mond-Turner Conference in England had resulted in the stabilisation of industry, which must result in immeasurable benefit of the trade outlook.

Mr. McGowan said that the good season just past was due in some measure to the increase in production, and not entirely to the rise in export prices. There was unmistakable evidence that over the last five years there had been a net increase in productivity in the primary industries, the figures being: Wool, 5.7 per cent.; butter, 30.6 per cent.; cheese, 5.9 per cent.; sheep skins, 15 per cent.; frozen lamb, 23.8 per cent.; frozen mutton, 36 per cent.; hides, 18.4 per cent.; tallow, 36.4 per cent. The trade balance last June was a record for the June year, and the trade statistics since June showed a sustained improvement. The visible trade balance for the eight months ended August was £14,182,641, against £6,677,322. The additional purchasing power available should see increased activity in business circles. Mr. McGowan remarked, however, that they should profit by the experience of adverse periods, and lay aside reserves in times of prosperity.

Mr. McGowan also dealt with the transport question, stressing the growth of the motor. The chief problem presenting itself was the softening of the rigour of competition, which was always acute in the transitional phase of economic development. Multilateral development of the various means of transport could only mean national waste. The problem in New Zealand was particularly complicated. It was also including the development of ports, and called for the wisest statesmanship in finding a solution which would be in the best interests of the country’s future. MORE IMMIGRANTS

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SOLUTION

WELLINGTON, October 12.

The delegates to the conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce' were welcomed by the Mayor. Addressing the assembly, the Gover-nor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) noted that among their objects they aimed to promote the interests of trade and commerce in the Dominion. He said that he thought they must now have a much wider* interpretation. First and foremost, we must consider the interests of the Empire and how we can help Empire trade and, what is of equal importance, the Empire spirit. There were at the moment three Commissions in the Dominion closely connected with Imperial trade and commerce, these being the Forestry and Empire Marketing Board, Mr. Ford of the Clyde Trust, and Lord Lovat in regard to settlement. Their various objects were stressed by Sir Charles Fergusson, who commended the objects to the Conference. With regard to immigration, Sir Charles Fergusson said it was a calamity for any young country, the resources of which were endless, to have to restrict (immigration. The more immigration of the right sort we could get, the more help not only the country but the secondary industries would get. He did not think the secondary industries would ever be assisted by raised tariffs. The real solution was sufficient population to support the secondary industries and compete with outsiders. Sir Francis Bell, who represented the Government, said he trusted the conference would not press for firms and companies. The actual English Act passed at the lase session was to hand It was desired to avoid conflictinglocal interpretations, in the hope of achieving Imperial consonance.

LOCAL BODY TRADING.

'WELLINGTON, October 12.

The Associated Chambers carried a remit that local body trading concerns coming into competition-with private industries should be controlled by the State and should be subject to taxation and be compelled to publish a balance sheet.