TRADE IN THE PACIFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16665, 9 October 1917, Page 4

TRADE IN THE PACIFIC.

■ - > NEW ZEALAND'S POSITION. REPLY TO CRITICISM. The statements made by an Island trader regarding the decreasing trade between New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, published in the Herald yesterday, are combated by a large shipping firm interested in that trade. It is contended that the trader's statement did not give the exact position. In the first place, it is stated that for some time no steamers have been carrying copra from the Islands, either to Sydney or to New Zealand. This is due to the fact that there are now very few steamers in the trade, and the cargo space in these was fully occupied by fruit and other produce. A further reason for the cessation of the carriage of copra is its inflammable nature, a number of (i-es on board ships carrying such cargo having been traced to this cause. It was further stated that even if copra were brought to Auckland it would have to remain in store, as all available outward cargo was required for foodstuffs. Here also tbe risk from "fire was a factor. The situation, it was asserted, would not be relieved until normal conditions obtained. As regards the statement that most of the trade was going to Sydney, it was pointed out that since the strike commenced there has been no communication between Australia and the Islands, whereas the service betwean New Zealand and the Islands has not been interrupted.