GOODS FROM ABROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19098, 17 August 1925, Page 8

GOODS FROM ABROAD.

Tho Department of Industries and Commerce, in its annual report, makes certain suggestions about the importation of commodities that might reasonably be produced in the Dominion, if not wholly, at least to a much greater extent than at present. The underlying principle is easily capable of ready endorsement. Its bearing on the maintenance of a favourable trade balance is undeniable. But while a Government department moralises in such excellent fashion upon what might be as opposed to what is, the Government itself is a leading offender, probably the greatest individual offender, in respect of one commodity mentioned in the report. Last year the State imported 298,044 tons of coal valued at £347,118, other agencies importing 376,439 tons costing £432,392. While this happens the coalmining industry of the Dominion experiences diminishing prosperity. True, technical difficulties exist to prevent the utilisation of Now Zealand coal for all purposes. Has every possible measure been taken to obviate them? The State railways are using overseas coal where once they used the New Zealand article. The plea of greater efficiency and economy has been advanced —and contested. An inquiry into the question has been held but the result is not yet known. If the report favours fuller utilisation of New Zealand coal, it will be the manifest duty of the Government to do what it can to follow the advice given. So long as the State continues buying abroad, in the case of a commodity so important as coal, it is not surprising that the Department of Industries and Commerce regretfully records the tendency noted in its report. To use New Zealand goods where possible is a sound policy in which the Government should give the lead to the very best of its ability.