DOMINION PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11738, 28 January 1924, Page 7

DOMINION PRODUCE

EXPORT TRADE PROSPECTS HOPES OF PREFERENCE. The present outlook for the Dominion’s export trade is good, says Mr Massey, who gave a good deal of attention while in Britain to the interests of production and trade. “There is ho doubt,” said Mr Massey, “that wool is going to stand good as regards prices. I am quite certain this position will he maintained for years, as the world demand is bound to continue. It has been an exceptionally good year for the staple, an«f, judging from reports of New Zealand conditions, the improvement in industry has had its effect on Dominion trade and prosperity. I was particularly delighted to hear of the very high prioes ruling at the recent New Zealand sales. “The market conditions for dairy produce have been quite good, and will so remain for the rest of the season. It is impossible, of course, to say what changes there may be in the future, but the position at the moment is quite satisfactory, and the outlook generally very good.” “And what about shipping freights.” “I am glad you mentioned that question,” replied Mr Massey. “It was given a great deal off consideration while the Conference was sitting, and a comprehensive report was submitted by th© Imperial "Shipping Committee. Many technical questions of shipping, including liability under hills of lading, deferred rebates, port charges, round voyage the necessity for shortening the journey to Australia and New Zealand, were discussed, but it is not necessary to go into the intricacies of detail. As far as New Zealand freights were concerned, my representations' resulted iu securing a reduction in the freight on fruit to 4s per case.” It .is obvious that the important question of preferential trade within the Empire ia in a state of flux. “It is quite impossible,” said Air Massey, “to anticipate what the new Government in Britain will clo in the matter of recommendations of th© Imperial Conference, regarding Empire trade.” “Have you given up hope about the adoption of Imperial preference, Air AfasseyT” * “Certainly not,” replied the Prime Minister. “The spado work has been done very extensively, and, it may be added, very thoroughly, and it would be very foolish to infer there will be no harvest i»v the future. In any case, the different countries of the Empire secured an opportunity to become familiar with each other’s needs and fiscal policies, and it is only by such interchange of ideas that we can hope to construct a better system of Empire trade.” As regards reciprocity with Canada and Australia, Mr Massey mentioned nothing definite had been done as regards our sister Dominion, where a very keen interest is now taken in trade with New Zealand. The position in respect of Australia gave, he thought, much cause for mutual satisfaction. Personally, ho was quite satisfied with the treaty that had been negotiated by the Alinister for Customs, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, with Australia, and ratified by the Commonwealth and New Zealand Governments. It was possible, of course, that soveral items would come up for further consideration, and, when that time came, the Government would bo prepared to give sympathetic consideration to reciprocal agreements.