TRADE OF SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19303, 16 April 1926, Page 14

TRADE OF SAMOA.

STEADY EXPANSION MADE.

IMPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND

DECREASE IN RECENT YEARS

|Bf —OWM CORRESPONDENT. ] WELLINGTON, Thursday.

A report prepared by the Departrnelit of Industries and Commerce upon the trade of the mandated territory of Western Samoa shows that a very healthy and Steady expansion has been made during the past three yean, and that during 1025 the figures were the highest on record with the exception of the two Loom years, 1919 and 1920, since 1910.

The total trade, imports and exports, for 1923, 1924 and 1925 wan £557,655, £636.221 and £725,377 respectively. A considerable improvement in the average price per tun of copra, as well as nn increased tonnage shipped in 1925 maintained exports at a satisfactory figure, notwithstanding a marked falling off in the export quantity and Value of cocoa. .For the first time since, 1918 rubber was exported and it was hoped that this wduld initiate a successful resuscitation of tho industry. One of tlie most noticeable features of the import trade of Samoa was the remarkable increase in the past three years in the value of goods purchased from the tlfiited Kingdom. The progress made by New Zealand in its sales to its own mandated territory Was only fairly satisfactory and there still seemed to be much room for expansion. Australia still got most of the business of Samoa and appeared to be maintaining her position. Canada and the United States were apparently grasping every opportunity to secure increases in their share of the trade. I'iji was also entering strongly into tho trade.

An analysis ttl the principal items imported by Samoa shows that New Zealand has lost a considerable portion of her trada in Cement. which has been diverted to the (United Kingdom, which supplied this commodity to the value of over £I3OO out of a total of £I6OO during 1925. New Zealand also seems to lie losing its proportion of the Coal trade. The Department of Industries aiid Comment is of opinion thai careful inquiries, persistent efforts and greater personal touch with the Samoans on the part of New Zealand manufacturers and merchants would . result in a far larger proportion of Samoan trade, especially that which is now 'to Australia and Fiji, coming to New Zealand.