OF NEW ZEALAND INTEREST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19785, 10 May 1926, Page 12

OF NEW ZEALAND INTEREST.

A GRACEFUL ACT. SALE OF FREEZING WORKS. BRITISH MOTOR TRADE. (F.bom Otis Own Coeeespondent.) LONDON, March 23. “The Government of New Zealand," says the Northern Whig, “has performed a graceful act in presenting a large framed portrait of the late Right Hon, William Massey, P.C., the Limavady-bora Prime Minister of the Dominion, to the deceased statesman’s cousin. Miss Ferguson, who resides at Enagh, Limavady. AN EXAMPLE FOR THE FREE STATE. According to the Irish Independent, the New Zealand Government has given an excellent example to the Free State. In 1922, the year when the 'Free State was established, the expenditure of the State departments of New Zealand was overhauled, and economies running into several millions were as a result effected. Those savings made it possible to reduce the maximum rate of income tax from 7a 4d to 4s 6d. Other reliefs were also given, the total value of the remissions and concessions being estimated at £4,000,000 per annum When may the Irish taxpayer expect remissions!.and concessions amounting to that sum?*’ SALE OF FREEZING WORKS. In a mail letter the Wellington correspondent of The Times Trade Supplement states that banters in New Zealand .are perturbed at the action of the Government in refusing to approve the transfer to Thomas Bortlnviek and Sons (Australasia), Limited, of the license to export frozen meat held by the 'Wellington Meat Export Company, Limited. “It is generally admitted that the raising of fresh capital would be practically impossible. The banking view is that the Government has made a. serious mistake in applying the veto to the transfer of the 7 license, inasmuch as the license is a.n essential part of the assets, just as it would be in the case of a public-house. The credit of meat works is said by bankers individually to be greatly depreciated by the action of the Government and by the possibility of similar action in other cases. Freezing works, it is held, will find extreme difficulty in obtaining finance if such a veto is allowed to hang over the industry. _As it is, many of the freezing works in New Zealand, especially those owned and managed by farmers, are carrying on by the indulgence of the banks. Prospects of a good season in 1926 in respect to quantity and price of meat exported from New Zealand are far from bright, and the trade will require extremely skilful handling during the next six months.” DOMINION TIMBER. Mr J. Butler contributes an article to the Timber Trades Journal in which he explains and defends the principle of associations of eawmiiling groups in New Zealand. He explains that although farreaching measures have been intrdoduced, a wholesome check has been provided by the federation against legislation of an extreme character that might otherwise have reached the Statute Book. “At the present time the federation is much exercised about the rapid increase in the importation of timber from the west coast of Canada and America. In the case of Douglas fir it is sold at prices against which the New Zealand sawmilier cannot possibly compete, owing to the heavy increase of timber royalties, a recent increase in timber railway freights,’ and the high wages paid to timber workers. The federation will no doubt seek to put a further import duty on this timber.’! BRITISH MOTOR TRADE. One of the considerations hindering the recovery oi the British motor trade in New Zealand, according to the Wellington correspondent of The Times Motor Supplement, "is that British factories are' not eouipped to meet the seasonal demand when it arises, chiefly between October and March; and many models produced do not suit New Zealand conditions. The British manufacturer has the sentimental factor in his favour, but he must take]into account the material factors, which are at present against him. Another influence which will make English competition more difficult in the future is the proposed establishment by the General Motors Corporation oi aa assembling plant in the Dominion.. A site near Wellington has been acquired tor the purpose, and the corporation will, when its works are in operation, be in a position to save a proportion of freight and also some intermediary charges by dealing direct with, retailers. To meet this competition English manufacturers will require to revise their organisation in this market. Organisation for sales and service plays an important part in marketing. The small car owner, especially in the country, prefers a popular make, because he is sure of service. Dealers and garages find it unprofitable to carry stocks of spares for little-used models. Road improvement in future will help the sale of English cars, as it has already done, but competitive price and suitable models would help more.” THE GOOD OLD TIMES. Memories of the good days, when twoguinea tips were common, were revived by the old cablrivers of London when they were entertained this week by the Cabdnvers’ Benevolent Association. Mr W. Reed, wnb drove a cab in London streets for 51 years, waxed eloquent about a former patron from New Zealand thus : “The best job I ever had lasted for the whole of the London season. I was engaged by a wealthy man from New Zealand to be .at his disposal during the season. He stayed at the Savoy Hotel, but he nut all lus valuables into my care. Ami when the season was over he gave me a handsome i resent, and asked me to return to New Zealand with him. Young men about town would often give me two guineas ns a tip.”