EASTERN TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21983, 14 December 1934, Page 15

EASTERN TRADE

POTENTIAL MARKETS POSSIBILITIES IN MANCHURIA DIRECT SHIPPING PROBLEM The possibilities of trade with the East were again discussed at a meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce Council yesterday. The view that, there was a considerable potential market in North China and Manchuria was expressed by Mr. S. Hutchison, honorary New Zealand Government, agent at Shanghai, Reporting on a recent trip in Northwest China, Manchuria and Korea, Mr. Hutchison said that, although the trip had been hurriedly planned, he was able to secure satisfactory orders at Dniren. "I made a thorough investigation of Northern Manchuria and Korea, which offer great possibilities to us," Mr. Hutchison added. "The most amazing part is that hardly any of the people 1 met knew that New Zealand was not a part of Australia. Apart from the orders placed for dairy produce and meat, I received inquiries for boot and floor polishes, lemons and essences. "Business is quite possible with Dairen, as there is a shipping service from Auckland to Kobe, and thence by transhipment to Dairen. Dairen is interested in exporting soya beans, and there should be a market for these in the Dominion. The Japanese have most of the market lor tinned goods, but we sell our share of the foreign articles." It was decided to acquaint exporters with the information supplied.

A letter was received from the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce reporting that further inquiries had been made into the Auckland chamber's suggestion for the diversion via the East of homeward vessels, so as to establish a shipping connection. Representatives of the shipowners' had stated in reply that the extra expense would be considerable and the present state of the market would not warrant the action suggested. However, the proposal would be placed before the principals of the various lines in London. Insurance premiums on cargoes would also be high, in view of navigation and war risks in Eastern waters. It was decided to await a full statement from the London principals, and also to inquire what progress had been made toward the conclusion of a trade agreement with India.