TRADE WITH THE EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18519, 2 October 1923, Page 9

TRADE WITH THE EAST.

COMMISSION SUGGESTED.

AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION.

HANDICAP OF DISTANCE.

The question of trade with the East was discussed at a meeting of tho Auckland Industrial ~ Association . yesterday, Mr. J. A. C. Allum presiding. y -..,/..

The proposal to send a commission, consisting of three business men, and one Government representative, to visit the East with the view of encouraging reciprocal trade, was stated to have been favourably received by the primary producers and manufacturers. The merchants' however, did not all appuan to hold, the same views, and the associated Chambers of Commerco had . objected to the proposal on the grounds of expense. The commission, it was estimated, would cost about £2500, of which amount about £200 was allowed for advertising in the countries concerned.' Mr. J. G. Hummeling, formerly of Java, said that he'was sure that if the commission was appointed it would do some good. The shipping, ' companies would have to bo approached on the matter of frieghts. : At present the freight rate, from Auckland to Java was about 40s a ton more than from Sydney. British American, and Continental manufacturers -who were most successful in the East had their own representatives in the countries concerned. : He was convinced that there -would be a good market in Java for New Zealand butter and cheese, as well as for jams, preserves, and tinned meats.

The difficulty of competition with Aus tralia was then mentioned, and it was pointed out that Queensland was only about half the distance from that country that New Zealand was, besides which it had the advantage of (regular isteamer services. Several speakers referred to the position of New Zealand manufacturers, staling that high wages, and hampering legislation prevented them from competing with those of other countries in the matter of export trade. I was suggested 'that a. Royal Commission be appointed by the Government to inquire not only info the possibility of trade with the \East, but also into, the whole question of New Zealand's export trade. It was eventually decided to defer further consideration of the matter until the next meeting.