EXPORT STATISTICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18090, 15 May 1922, Page 8

EXPORT STATISTICS.

NEW SYSTEM CONDEMNED.

WANG AN HI BOARD ANGRY.

ALLEGED PROVINCIAL JEALOUSY,

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.

WANGANUI. Saturday. Much adverse criticism of the new method of compiling expert statistics was heard at, a meeting of tho Wanganui Harbour Board. It was contended that the new system was duo to influence of Wellington, because of provincial jealousy toward Auckland, ft had " worked " tho department to the extent of filching returns rightly due to Wanganui and Taranaki to enhance its exjiort figures, and theroby argue that it had beaten Auckland. Tho chairman, Mr. A. S. Bignell, said tho method gave Wellington credit, not crnly of exporting, but of producing produce which it had not grown, the credit of which belonged to other districts. There was a still more serious aspect. The returns might prejudice the board if it went on the London market to niise further loans. Under tho present system produce which left Wanganui by coastal steamers ixnd was transhipped at Wellington, was not credited to Wanganui, but to Wellington. Tho reason for change from methods showing the productivity of districts was that Auckland s figures were ahead of those of Wellington. He considered that the board should endeavour to have the productivity of district tables restablished, along with the present system. A member suggested that when mutton boats loaded nt Gastlecliff the district would be credited with all its exports. Mr. Allen said ho had heard the system dis,cu.«sed at Tauranga, and one person had remarked that Wellington had forged ahead of Auckland. It was decided to urge tho reinstatement of the tables showing productivity of districts