THE COUNTRY’S TRADE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19783, 7 May 1926, Page 10

THE COUNTRY’S TRADE.

AN ANALYSIS OF STATISTICS. Written for the Otago Daily Times. By F. B. Stephens. 11. The abnormal prices of 1919 being excepted, the export of honey has shown a gradual but definite increase, and should in time prove a source of considerable revenue to the exporter. The figures for 1921 and 1925 are:— lbs. 1924 1,186,269 £29,721 1925 1,822,0-13 53,156 Preserved milk shows a decrease of £IOO,OOO, due no doubt to the disastrous fire at Edendale early last year. It may surprise some, however, to note that the exports under this head, which includes dried as well as preserved milk, totalled £425,738 last year. An industry in which there are vast possibilities if it is properly fostered and developed, is the flax industry. In common with practically every other industry, it experienced a slump after the boom prices of 1919 and 1920, but the gradual upward trend not only of prices but also of quantities suggests an industry of some importance. This the figures below show:

Turning from these, our main primary products, to what may be called subsidiary exports, we are struck with the huge bulk of the item, rabbitskins. The figures naturally prompt the inquiry: “Is all being done that is possible to eradicate this pest from the land, or have some people an interest in the retention of it?” Although the quantities are quite unreliable —the general rule being to take six to the pound—the position is sufficiently alarming to warrant parliamentary investigation in view of the enormous amount of destruction caused by these vermin. The figures are:

That the kauri gum industry is being carefully watched is proved by a significant cablegram from Canada some days ago, which indicated that if the distribution of this commodity were not properly handled, other means, now at hand, would be utilised to satisfy the demand of the consumers. In view of this, it behoves those interested, as well as the authorities, to take every care to safeguard an industry which has in the past proved of great financial advantage to the country. Of course, it cannot be denied that in time the industry must wane, but its decrease is surely not to be hastened by carelessness when a little careful nursing might prolong its life for some years yet. The figures for the past six years are instructive: —

Turning to what was once our staple export—gold —we find that the inevitable decline still continues. From over two millions in 1905 it has steadily fallen till it is now at the half-million mark. The question naturally arises, “Will the Kawarau produce the gold it is said to contain?” A few days ago the writer had the privilege to examine the dam and gorge. The stupendous undertaking of the huge dam is approaching completion. One’s mind wandered as we gazed on it, and in thought there appeared a small army of workmen eagerly scanning the river bed. The question is still unanswered. "Will they be rewarded or —?” The export figures are: —

The coal industry, which in many countries besides our own has been the centre of widespread industrial disturbances, demands a little attention. At this stage, however, we shall confine our remarks to exports. The total coal exported last year —viz., 138,080 tons—was in all probability practically all accounted for by bunker coal for outgoing steamers. In view of the acknowledged excellence of some New Zealand steam coals, this fact is a little disconcerting, and suggests the need for more co-operation between employers and employees, with the object of encouraging the growth of the export trade of this valuable commodity. The benefit of increased trade would be reaped not only by the employer, but ultimately by the worker. The only other big Item which calls for any comment Is th( t of the recently developed apple exp vt trade. To the encouragement offered by the Government in a large degree must be given the credit for the fostering of this trade. It will be remembered that the State guaranteed Id per lb on all apples exported in compliance with the Government's requirements as to grading, etc. The result was that 0 741,4721 b of apples were exported In 1924 of a value of £122,160. while In 1925 8,507,0431 b, of a value of £116,101, were exported. (These values must be read subject to the remarks In the introductory article.) There arc potentialities about the trade which must be kept in mind by any Government which has the future welfare of the country at heart. One striking item from a heterogeneous group of minor exports is interesting. This appears under the heading “Opossum skins.” The figures for 1924 and 1925 are 112 042 and 151,280 skins respectively, of the’ value of £56.289 and £80,358. It is instructive to remember that this industry is to a minor degree revenue-producing to the State. Strict regulations are laid down as to the time and manner of taking the skins, and on dtch skin before export a small royalty must be paid. From a purely local point of view it may be well to note that Dunedin is at present the centre of this trade in opossum skins, and is also the chief e\porter. As is well known, the Gatlins district is the origin of the bulk of Now Zealand skins exported.

Tons. 1919 £907,584 1920 668,972 1921 11,167 319,604 1922 295,530 1923 12,306 314,224 1924 15,178 424,736 1025 19,923 575,311

Skins. 1910 .. .. .. .. 14,340,007 £775,118 1920 .. .. .. 14,363,216 630,024 1921 .. .. .. 13,922,446 448,180 1922 .. .. 567,864 1923 .. .. .. .. 14,233,417 472,491 1924 .. .. .. .. 20,444,390 740,975 1925 .. .. .. .. 19,708,586 843.416

Tons, 1919 4,128 £253,812 19-20 556,756 1921 367,197 192-2 6,391 563,270 1S'23 6,508 596,232 1924 443,576 1925 .. .. 6,370 414,901

Ozs. 1919 .. .. £1,334,405 1920 .. .. 883,718 1921 .. .. 612,168 1922 .. .. 540.182 1923 .. .. .. .. 169,512 693,583 1924 .. .. .. .. 133,631 551,788 1925 .. .. .. .. 1,146,696 472,364