AUSTRALIA IN THE EAST

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11650, 15 October 1923, Page 12

AUSTRALIA IN THE EAST

COSTLY REPRESENTATION. “A perfect pantomime” was the expression used, by merchants and traders throughout the Orient when asked by a recent touring Parliamentarian their opinion of the utility of the Australian Trade Commissioner service at Shanghai (says the Melbourne “Age”). The “pantomime” is drawing to a close, and in accordance with the three months’ notice given by the Commonwealth to Mr E. 8. Little, and instructions to dismiss all persons in reoeipt of Commonwealth pay, the establishment will be closed dow r n. The sorapping of this futile representation has directed tonewed attention to the similar position occupied by Mr E. T. Sheaf, who in stationed at Singapore, under the style of “Australian Trade Representative of the East.” According to advices from China, there is already an impression among traders and commercial agents that the Singapore representation is (also to he closed. Mr Sheaf’s appointment was made jointly by the Commonwealth and the States, which share the salaries and expenses of his staff and office—a matter of £12,600 a year. The States would presumably require to be consulted as to the expediency of keeping this office open. In view of the negligible results which have attended the appointment, however, and the fact that a sufficient time has elapsed for any experimental period, it should not be difficult to convinoe State Governments on this point. Beyond two or three Teports sent to State Governments, and containing no information of any value to exporters, there has been remarkably little record of the activities of Mr Sheaf. The last of these bulletins was published some months ago, and it is high time the position of this expensive establishment was reviewed in the light of results.