NEW ZEALAND TRADE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11438, 7 February 1923, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND TRADE

MARKETS AND MARKETING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMITTEE. FAVOURS INTER-IMPERIAL TRADE. Reporting on the address on “Markets and Marketing,” given by Mr J. T. Martin before the Wellington Chamber of Commerce some days ago, the Empire trade and development committee of the chamber stated yesterday that it had given careful consideration to the ‘principles contain ed in the address. It recognised fully the value of such observations from an active business man, fresh from a world’s tour. The committee agreed, for the most part, with Mr Martin’s contentions, especially when stressing the need for competent trade representatives to advise on New Zealand’s commercial interests abroad. The committee felt, however, that the naked advocacy of the principle of trading 6olely on the lines of securing the best possible advantage, irrespective of whether the most profitable market, for the moment,/ was British or foreign, was a policy which w-as unlikely to be in the best interests of the Dominion ultimately. Although Mr Martin did not say so in as many words, the tenor ot his remarks led the committee to believe that his contention was opposed, or at least indifferent, to the principle of preferential treatment extended to Great Britain, or any attempt to foster that sentiment which, in the committee’s opinion, was of such vital importance to the welfare of the Dominion. “In view of this (added tho report) your committee considers that the chamber should affirm tho principle that it stands solidly for the existing most favoured treatment of British trade, not only from an Empire viewpoint, but in the direct interests of the well-being and safety of our own country. Although. Great Britain is unable to directly reciprocate by a preferential traiff, still as Mr Martin points out, she offers ns a free market (the most reliable market in the world) for all onr staple products and efficient transport facilities which would otherwise be beyond the power of New Zealand to secure. . Your committee would regret exceedingly if the keen sentiment which has so closely bound this outpost of the Empire to Britain in the past troublous times, should, in any way, bo allowed to cool. On trading grounds alone the existence of this sentiment i 6 of distinct value to this country, though it is impossible to express its worth in £s. d.. On the grounds of defence also it iB absolutely vital, and your committee thinks that this aspect is, in times of peace, too often overlooked, or at least undervalued. Our chamber should lay it down, clearly and emphatically that, both in trade or national well-being, we are partners with the [Mother Country—partners with an inseparable destiny. Where lies our money market —our means of. defence out common aspirations—so must lie our best and most reliable customer. Whilst your ■Committee expresses no opinion against trade with outside markets, it feels that it would he national folly to exploit these to the detriment of our trade with the Empire. The expressed possibility of our increasing products flooding the markets of Great Britain is, in the committee’si opiniox (based on statistics, 6ee statement attached), ro remote as not to warrant present concern. Your committee would therefore welcome a declaration of policy by the chamber favouring preferential inter-imperial trade relations to the fullest possible extent.” NEW ZEALAND’S! PROPORTION. The following is the‘statement’ above referred to. It shows the proportion of New Zealand products included, in total importations into Great Britain

Total Meat, excepting Game and Poultry... 17.5 per cent. The report was discussed at considerable length, and further consideration was adjourned till a later meeting.

for the year ending December, 1921: — Butter ... 20 per cent. Cheese .. 46.3 per cent. Wool .. 19.5 per cent. Mutton and Lamb .... ... 58 per oent. Frozen Beef 9.5 per cent. Frozen Rabbits ... 10 per cen».