TOPICS OF THE TIME.

Hastings Standard, Issue 30, 1 June 1896, Page 2

TOPICS OF THE TIME.

The consular report of the foreign trade of Japan for the quarter ending 30th of September last, issued by the Foreign Office, places the Japanese market in a very unfavourable light as an outlet for Australian products. During the quarter the imports to Japan from Australia were 1 7 8,000 dol., making 520,000 dol. for nine months. Though still insignificant, the Australian trade has increased since 1891; " but neither this increase nor anything in the present or prospective requirements of Japan warrants the extravagant hopes which now seems to be entertained in Australia as to very speedy finding or creating a extensive market for her productions here." It is said to be a " possible " that a considerable trade may be developed between the two countries; but if so, its main feature will be that of export from Japan to Australia. The free-trade party may take comfort from the following significant passage :-—" If the people of Australia seek cheapness without being particular as to durability, Japan can also soon supply them with a hundred articles which they either now make for themselvss or import from England or Germany—matches, boots, saddlery, harness, portmanteaux, hats. &c., all of which Japan could furnish to them at less than half the prices they would have to pay for European prototypes."

Ox the other hand, " Japan has at present absolutely 110 requirements that Australia should supply which are not already satisfactory met by the much nearer United States ; and it is improbable that unless tempted bylower prices Japanese buyers —who are strongly attracted to the people of the United States by sentimental reasons, and also by the further con; sideration that they are by far Japan's best customers for all the great staples of her export trade —will ever geek in

Australia articles which they can obtain in less time and equally good from the States. Among these are flour, leather, preserved provisions, fruits, wines, biscuits, butter, lard, beef, &c.'' There is but a limited field for the importation of Australian stallions and brood mares, while "of a wholesale import of Australian horses for general use there is not the smallest prospect." Almost the same may be said as to wool and mutton. The report ridicules the representation that the Japanese are learning to enjoy mutton. It states that a Japanese would as soon think of eating mutton as a respectable English meehanfc would of eating horseflesh. To the ordinary Japanese, the odor of mutton is intolerably offensive, and the mutton imported into Japan is consumed excusively by foreign residents. Reference is made, to the despatch of commercial agents by this colony and one of the adjacent colonies to investigate trade openings in -Japan, and as in both cases a very sanguine view has been taken, it is suggested that these colonies should be affored the above warning of the opinions held by residents of long experience in Japan.