The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1937. TRADE PROSPECTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1937. TRADE PROSPECTS.

The pleasure expressed by the Hon. W. Nash ou departing from London, on the success of his trade mission, hoes not appear to have a very solid inundation The Minister h..s spent eight months on his visit, and states lie is “well pleased with tile results.” T he evidence offered ol success is net very tangible. Most of it appears to be in relation to the future, following the very full ■discussions he must have had with the British'Government, due most direct result, is the report that the meat quota is to be expanded, but it can be understood that is due to the improved internal British conditions resulting from more work and : u ages adding to the consumption. The best that can be said is that there is “a brighter possibility ol a better trade pact with Britain.” Apparently it is not accomplished yet, and that after a lapse of eight months’ discussions. Actually we are promised that the negotiations'to be brought to fruition, “would continue for some months yet!” This remote vagueness as to achievements shows liow lacking in substance the visit has been. But there is something more. Mr Nash “hopes” to increase trade with ’Germany, Holland, France, and Russia,” particularly in regard to wool.” We may be sure that if the nations require that commodity they will be in the market, mission or no mission. It has been plain for a very long time that Britain cannot grant concessions or favours to New Zealand, which it would not grant to -other parts of the Empire in regard to the same commodities. Mr Nash had nothing alluring to offer which the other pacts could not equalise, if necessary, and so the best that the Minister could do would be to call on possible clients, and make his presence known in the hope that extra business would turn lip. But it hardly required a special mission ol such duration to reach that point. Mr Nash is a very capable Minister, and has been most useful in organising the financial policy of the Government, but he does not appear to have made the same impression as that of the Rrime Minister, Mr Savage, who in many weeks as that taken by the Finance Minister, kept the Dominion to the fore, and he is being quoted still by some of the London newspapers. Mr Nash appears to be lagging behind and is making the journey by way of the United States. What lie will glean there may be useful in the discharge of nis important office, for there remains much to fce done here yet to fulfil election promises in regard to finance, and it is to be hoped in the coming session the will not be deferred further. The most profitable part of the Ministers tour will be the experience he lias gained and the knowledge acquired as to the interlocking of international trade with all its economic aspects. Mr Nash should prove an apt pupil, and there will be at least the satisfaction that he is better equipped for the important duties lie has to discharge in handling the finances of the country. There are indications- that stricter control will be necessary, and the Minister will arrive none too soon to take up the task.