TRADE WITH THE EAST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21875, 10 August 1934, Page 12

TRADE WITH THE EAST

DOMINION'S OPPORTUNITY SALE OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT The opportunities that await New Zealand in the development of trade in tl:e East were referred to by the agent at Shanghai of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Mr. S. Hutchison, in a letter to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hutchison stated he had written to the Dairy Produce Board and the Meat Board suggesting co-operation with companies that have knowledge of the export trade, such as R. and . Hell a by, Limited, and Amalgamated Dairies, Limited, in appointing a representative to cover the East thoroughly. A base such as Singapore would be necessary for economical working. In Shanghai a goodwill had been built up in New Zealand butter (packed in the Dominion), tinned milk, milk powders and tinned meats. Honoy now becoming known under the name or New Zealand honey, and that, in the short space of a year, had been accomplished under severe competition. Although Australia was more favourably situated as regards freight, that shoul not deter New Zealand from opening up business. _ . , T Mr. Hutchison was positive that INew Zealand could secure a much greater proportion of the business than she was now enjoying. In some countries she had not yet secured any orders. The question was one in which individual shippers would have to come to some amicable agreement to share the business, as it would be detrimental to future orders to have too many brands of one variety of product. The Dairy Produce Board and the Meat Board could assist either m advertising, or by other means. New Zealand was so unknown and was so confused with Australia that publicity was necessary. . During June Mr. Hutchison said he had been able to secure orders for 200 head of dairy cattle, pedigree and grade, for institutions' in the neighbourhood, and arrangements had been made for the charter of a steamer to transfer them. At the time of writing ho was receiving inquiries for stud sheep and cattle, and additional orders were pending. . . It was necessary for the Dominion to develop her especially meat and dairy products, as rapidly as she could, as Australia was sending salesmen by every steamer to seek new agents. Even Denmark had sent trade representatives to Shanghai, and one could buy Danish butter and milk, besides hams, bacon and tinned meats. It was decided to bring the question before the Dairy Board and the Meat Board.

GHEE BUTTER EXPORT POSSIBILITIES IN INDIA PROPOSAL WELL RECEIVED Satisfaction with the manner in which the question of the export of ghee butter to the East has been taken up by other chambers of commerce and the press in different parts of the Dominion was expressed by members of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce at a meeting yesterday. A letter was received from the Associated Chambers, of Commerce to the effect that steps were being taken to approach the Dairy Produce Board with a view to having the matter investigated. In this connection the Associated Chambers had offered their assistance. The chairman, Mr. A. G. Lunn, said he understood the annual consumption of ghee butter in India was 1,000,000 tons, the retail price being Is 6d a lb. If Nqw Zealand could capture only onetenth of the market the benefit to this country would be invaluable.