TRADE WITH JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1930, Page 3

TRADE WITH JAPAN

PROSPERS OF CARGO SERVICE.

AUCKLAND, June 3.

“it is an ill-wind that -.lows no one good,” and the high tariffs that iluUommcnweakli Government has adopteu in order to bala..ee its Budget may have the effect of at least bringing one line-of steamers to New Zcalaim as a terminal'port. This is tlie Osaka-tonoe.dieii-A.ais..a liine, ivlncli runs a regular monthly scrvite between Japan aim Australia. 1 lie Australian repre seiuai.itc ot the company, Air J. Vvatanabo, arrived by the Alaunga.nui tiny morning, a; d lie will spend soun -•line in tile Aomin.oil investigating me prosper.s of a service.

"i have l.eeir in Australia Tor only three months.” lie said in an interview, “but I am convinced' that ,thU prospects are good for trade develojiment between Japan and New Zealand. Tariffs are h;gh in Australia al jiresent, while tliey are moderate in New Zealand, and that is an important factor in considering the establishment of ocean transport ” Air Watanabe said that Ins compatn had three new vessels, each of 6000 tons, equijiped with new Diesel engines and capable of a speed of 16 knots They were fitted with refrigerated .-.pace and could take a large quantity of Dozen produce. The steamers were named the Sydney Alnru, -Brisbane Alar.u, and Alelbourne Maru. Air Watanabe said that trade between -Japan and New Zealand, was in favour -ol Japan last year due largely to the drop in tlie price of the Dominion’s primary produce. Japan imported goods to tlie value of £400,000. from New Zealand, and exported goods to (lie value of £600,000. In some previous years trade balance bad been in favour of Jfew Zealand. “Japan will buy your wool, casein, miller' and cheese,” said Air Watannhe, “and New Zealand should take our silks, oak. fancy and electrical goods. Yes, T think the prospects are good,” bo added with a smile, “but I will know more bv the time I reach Invercargill.”