MARKETS IN THE EAST

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 3 September 1932, Page 7

MARKETS IN THE EAST

DOMINION’S OPPORTUNITY TRADE SHIP SUGGESTED METHOD OF FINANCE OUTLINED. The equipping of a trade ship, stocked with New Zealand goods, to make a voyage to the East, was suggested by an Auckland business man recently. He pointed to tho decision, made at a meeting in Auckland a lew days before that a display of New Zealand manufacturing and 1 products should be arranged at the Fiji Exhibition in October, and contended that the time was opportune for extending the search for new markets much farther afield. “To-day we have idle ships in our roadsteads,” said the business man. “We also have idle seamen and thousands of other unemployed men. There is a direct taxation drain of £3,SOJ,(XA. annually lor the relief of unemployment, and the end is not yet. Nor will the end come in sight until we change our present methods of dealing with the situation. One of the necessary changes is the enlargement of our overseas markets both in size and number.

“Let us consider one proposal to develop trade m the East. Tne 'ibfua could be chartered and by a crew at present unemployed. If that move took ICO men on the unemployment list, the Unemployment Board could subsidise the adventure at the rate of, say 40s a week for each man. The various control boards meat, dairy, fruit and honey —ail with accumulated funds, could subsidise the venture, while agricultural and manufacturing interests could be persuaded »to take part in the enterprise, to say nothing of the Industries and Commerce Department of the Government lending its assistance.

“Individual linns wishing to display their goods would pay for space, as they do at the various winter shows. On a trip of this kind to the East, with so many unusual ports to call, a number of. tourists could probably be induced to go as well. “A trade commission, headed by a Minister of the Crown, would naturally be in charge, of the trade ship, which would be fitted out with an attractive and representative display oi all New Zealand products. It is suggested that a Minister of the Crown should be sent' because he would be able directly to get in touch with the authorities in the various countries and be in a position on his return to lay before the Cabinet any necessary data for adjusting conditions, such as tariff.

“As an immediate start, Mr. L. J. Schmitt, the New Zealand trade commissioner in Australia, who recently toured tlie East to report to the Government on trade possibilities, could be brought to New Zealand to organise the suggested expedition. Only fc>\ a definite move such as is suggested call we translate the desire and need for new markets into actuality. While the Tofua has been suggested, there may be a much more suitable vessel available. However, the scheme as outlined is capable of development.”