THE TRADE COMMISSIONER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12445, 30 August 1902, Page 8

THE TRADE COMMISSIONER.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sm, —The Colonial Treasurer some two months ago, when referring to Mr Gow, stated that his communications were of an " interesting nature." Assuming such to bo the caso, in there any reason to be given why such valuable information should be "bottled up" for such a length of time? Our speculative merchants aud manufacturers must bo weary waiting for the " preserved" documents. Information might be contained therein ob to tho best country for the exportation of eggs—a subject matter 01 groat importance at tho present timo. I understand Mr Crow is not only an " expert," but also a specialist in " lien'-fruit." If by the Government it was deemed advis<> able to despatch a "trade expert"— a commercial that knows. everything~~to Australia, Africa, Groat Britain, America, Japan, China (why give Siam tho go-by?), and India, it was too big a contract for one To my mind tho Government have taken a very poor grasp of how to do business. If, for instance, it was thought an "opening" in some particular lino could be found in India (five weeks' sail from tho colony), would any sano business merchant despatch lus "expert" all round tho world, taking two years to roach Calcutta! Why, 100 yoars ago the "Indianmon " made two trips to London in that tinio. I do not in anyway Uamo Mr Gow taking in hand a two years professional engagement for " doing " tho world—a bigger contract than Captain Scott s Polar expedition. If the Government really meant business for the benefit of our merchants, they could easily have cut up the "©xpert department" bv appointing a fow more of their admirers, and so do tho drumming " in six instead of 24 months. I have read latoly about Bluo btars, awl now I anirboginning to think the ■trade Commissioner has entered into a Green Star contract with our much-vaunted and "Liberal" Government. "What a farce—a huge joke!—l am, ctc., August 29. Largo Law.