COMMERCE AND FINANCE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 28 June 1924, Page 14

COMMERCE AND FINANCE.

FOUR AIONTHS’ LMPORTS ANALYSED. During the first four months of the present year the imports into New Zealand totalled in value £14,925,014, an ; increase of £78,609 upon the imports last year fort a similar period. The exports, however, showed a still larger increase for the four months of 1924, the total value being no less than £26,942,120, as compared with £20,320,290 for the similar period in 1923 (says the. Auckland Star). Considering some of the lines imported the question naturally arises a.s to whether it would not now he possible to produce them in New Zealand, and provide work for the people. For instance, in the four months hoots and shoes to the value of £358,895 were brought into New Zealand in spite 0 the fact that such lines arc protected hy a tariff, and there are plenty of factories in the Dominion. Another peculiar position is that New Zealand exported cattle hides to the value of £150,909, yet imported leather to the value of £101,338. Apparel was imported to the value of £880,197, a good proportion of which ought to be made in the Dominion. Cpnfectionerv is another item that accounts for £70.164, in spite of the fact that there are many firms in New Zealand manufacturing such goods. The effect of the had harvest in the south is shown by the fact that in the first four mouths of this year wheat had to be imported to the value of £162,688. as compared with only £SO for a similar period in 1923.

It is of interest to note that there is a falling-off in' the value imports in the following lines: Tea. £279,416, a s compared with £330,717; whisky £198,917, against £212,509; cigarettes, £221,641. against £226.405: tobacco, £282,519, a s against £317.689; New Zealand, during the first four months of 1924, exported wool to the value of £10,644,880. as compared with £5,851,655 for a similar period in 1923, but imported woollen goods to the value of £412,811 probably made from what was exported Home last year. Timber to tile value of £132,789 was also exported, and yet the imports of that line were worth £276,871. The export of kauri gum was better, the first four months of this year totalling in value £143,163, as compared with £121,514 for a similar period last year. Gold, on the other hand, showed a falling-off the value being £187,442, as compared with £200,044.

4lie great spread of motor traction is responsible for a lot of monev being sent, out of the country. The motor vehicles imported for the first four months were valued at no less than £1,128,510, and another £110.437 went for motor tyres. £367.307 for motor spirit, £68,700 for gasoline, and £87.803 for benzine. Another big item in the imports 7s £101,184 for' kerosene. It will surprise some to note that the sausage skins exported in four months reached a value of £964.919, and although the rabbit is I:he curse of the farmer, still skins to the value of £655.470 were sent awnv in four months.