TRADE WITH THE EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20387, 16 October 1929, Page 11

TRADE WITH THE EAST.

EXPORTERS' DIFFICULTIES.

STATE BOUNTY PROPOSED.

A suggestion that the Government might subsidise exports to tho Far East via Sydney in order to pavo the way for a direct steamor service was put forward in a. discussion at tho Chambers of Commerce Conferenco yesterday. A remit expressing, approval of certain remarks made by therPriino Minister, Sir Josoph Ward, upon tho fostering of trado with tho Far East was submitted by tho Wellington chamber. Jilr. J. Milne, in moving the remit, said that last year New Zealand exported £1,140,000 worth of goods to Eastern countries, practically half being wool. The trado amounted to about 2 per cent, of tho country's total exports. Imports amounted to £3,600,000, leaving a heavy adverse balance. There wero great difficulties in tho way of establishing a direct steamer service. Refrigerated space must be provided, but unfortunately cold storago facilities in Eastern ports were inadequate.

It was possible to export to the East by way of Australia, which already had a large trade, her Eastern imports bring about 120,000,000 annually. However; freights to Sydney and transhipment charges there amounted to about £2 a ton.

Thero was 3 largo demand in tbo East for Now Zealand products, especially foodstuffs. It was suggested that, pending tlio establishment of a direct service, tho Government might subsidise the trado by paying the freight and transhipment charges through Sydney, in the hope that business would dovelop sufficiently to niako a direct service payable. If the growth wero not rapid enough, a trade representative should be sent, to tho East to develop business in New Zealand commodities. Tho remit was adopted.