TRADE WITH EAST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 12

TRADE WITH EAST

DUTCH ENTEBI'RISE

OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK LUNCHEON ON MAETSUYCKER An optimistic view of prospects for the development of reciprocal trade between New Zealand and the Dutclj East Indies was taken by several speakers at a luncheon given bv the Dutch Royal Packet Navigation Company yesterday on board the new motor-vessel Maetsuycker. The ship, which arrived from Java on Monday, and which came down from Chelsea yesterday morning to berth at Queen's Wharf, has inaugurated a monthly service between the Dominion and the Dutch colonies in the East. Captain J. J. Kooper, master of the Maetsuycker, presided at the luncheon, which was also attended by Mr. D. Lammers, representing the company, Mr. C. W. Heather, representing the local agents. Mr. \Y. 11. Fee, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, the harbourmaster, Captain IT. H. Sergeant, and representatives of shipping and commercial interests. Before the luncheon the guests were conducted over the vessel and were able to inspect both the accommodation for passengers and the many navigational and engineering devices incorporated in the building of the ship. Historical Associations After the toasts of Queen Wilhelmina of Holland and King George VI. had been honoured at the conclusion of the luncheon, Mr. Lammers stated that his company had decided to open its direct service to New Zealand partly as the result of the requests of traders which had been made at intervals during the last 14 years. The company felt that it was in a measure responsible for the development of the Dutch colonies in the East and for the building up of their trade, and in deciding to start the new service it was in fact extending an historical link between the two countries. "About 300 years ago," said Mr. Lammers, "one of my countrymen set out from the Indies in two small ships, each of them under 30 tons, and on November 24, 1642, ho discovered Van Diemcn's Land. On December 14 he discovered another country which he called Staaten Land and he dropped anchor where the city of Nelson stands to-day. Tasman sailed up the coast of the North Island and many names on that coast still bear reference to famous people who lived in my country at that time." Dominion' 6 Eesponsibility Mr. Lammers added that Van Diemen, Governor-General of the Dutcb colonics in the Indies, had changed the name of Tasman's discovery from Staaten Land to New Zealand. Johaii Maetsuycker, after whom the company's latest vessel was named, was one of Van Diemen's councillors ant was instrumental in arranging Tasman's voyages of discovery in the Soutl Pacific. "Now, nearly 300 years later, ' Mr Lammers continued, "it is a great hon our for me to be here at the inaugura tion of a new enterprise by- a Dutcl shipping company. It is now largely ii the hands of the trading communit; in New Zealand whether the servici will be justified. I can give an assur ance from my company that every thing possible will be done for th< development of a regular flow o trade. Butter Export Prospects Speaking on behalf of the-guests, Mr Fee said the new service represents another step in lessening the isolatioi which New Zealand had previously suf fered. He was sure the Royal Packe Navigation Company would do its part and it remained for the business mei of New Zealand to support the enter prise. A few years ago New Zealain had exported butter to the Dutch Eas Indies, but that trade had been lost With a direct service it might easil; be regained and expanded and tlia was only one avenue in which Ne> Zealand 'could support the service oi fered by the Dutch company. A cocktail party was also held O! board the Maetsuycker yesterday after noon and the vessel sailed last evenin for Wellington and Sydney. After leav ing the latter port she will eomplet her round trip back to Java.