TRADE IN THE ORIENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18389, 3 May 1923, Page 8

TRADE IN THE ORIENT.

DOMINION'S OPPORTUNITY,

MARKETS IN SHANGHAI. BUTTER, BEEF AND WOOL: [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday. That there is a big opening for NewZealand food products in the East was tho opinion expressed to the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union to-day by Mr. O. J. Rumkin, -who has recently arrived from Siberia. Mr. Rumkin said that he had been surprised to find since coming to New Zealand that the finest cattle were sold here practically for the cost of their hides. He was certain that there was a big opening in the East for New Zealand produce. Mr. E. Matheson : "What port do you suggest we should send our beef to?" Mr. Rumkin: "To Shanghai." '.'"-. Australia, he continued, was sending a! lot of produce such as flour, jam, and butter to the East. Wool went to Japan chiefly. The Chinese wore acquiring a taste for butter and jam. The Americans operated largely in China.. They had very good shipping facilities and were very wide awak«». Mr. Marshall "What about prices?" Mr. Rumkin : "If you wish to capture the Chinese trade you would have to sell cheap. I consider there would be a big opening for . preserved and tinned beef in. China. • Mr. Rumkin also said that he had found since arriving, in New Zealand that the farmers had been very concerned about large shipments of Siberian butter which were reported to have ■ arrived in London. This was quite incorrect, as no butter was at present being manufactured in Siberia. ' : \ ' : .

In reply to Mr. Marshall, Mr. Rumkin said that for some years, Danish firms had two grading stations in Siberia, but the production of butter had ceased during the war when all the cattle had been killed off. There was a shortage there now of food of all kinds-

Mr. Rumkin was thanked for his information, and it wris decided to introduce him to the chairman of the Meat Producers' Board. '.-.'.-"■" ■