TRADE WITH THE EAST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21827, 14 December 1932, Page 8

TRADE WITH THE EAST

NEED FOR NEW MARKETS MR H. L. TAPLEY’S IMPRESSIONS (Special to Daily Times.) WELLINGTON, December 13. That efforts are being made by Australia to find new markets for the disposal of her exportable products was the chief impression gained by Mr H. L. Taplcy, of Dunedin, as the result of a visit to the Commonwealth. Mr Tapley, who returned by the Monowai from Sydney, said that already Australia had built up a large Eastern trade. He considered that any money wisely spent by New Zealand in the development of markets in the East would be justified. Things in Australia were still very bad, said Mr Tapley. The depression was still very much felt, although there was a greater feeling of optimism than there had been for some time past. “ Bankers and other financial people,” he said, “ told me that they do not see backing to justif optimism. Australia, like New Zealand, cannot regain prosperity until the prices of its primary products reach a payable basis, and despite what economists might say about currencies and such like, the fact remains that the lifting of the depression is dependent on a payable price for our primary produce. Australia is fortunate in that it has had a bountiful wheat harvest, although the prices are not payable without Government help. Australia expects to net the huge sum of 22,000,000 sterling from wheat production. We must look to the Motherland for increased prices, and this can be achieved only by more prosperous times in Great Britain, which will give the masses of the people greater spending power and enable them to buy our butter, cheese, meat, and woollen products. To bring this about the Dominion must buy as largely as possible from Britain. Australia has built a high and, almost unsurmountable tariff wall, which is shutting out British manufactures. Many commercial men to whom I spoke felt that there should be a very large modification in the existing Customs tariff. Perhaps it would eliminate some industries that are only kept going by a high tariff, but it would be better for the country as a whole.” . , , , Mr Tapley was struck with the great effort that is being made in Australia to secure other markets, and which has relieved Britain of her obligation to_ take from the Commonwealth all its primary produce. Although a large trade is already being done with the East, further stimulation would be given to this by the fitting out of an exhibition steamer, one of the Roval Dutch Mail Packet liners. This steamer would be fitted out with exhibits of all Australian products and would visit the East at the time of the Hongkong exhibition. New Zealand, said Mr Tapley. was equally entitled to a good deal of this Eastern trade, and he was glad that the Minister of Industries and Commerce was obsessed with this view. Money wisely spent in the development of trade with the East would ba more than justified by the results that would be achieved. “While I do not consider the expense of an exhibition ship is necessary to further our interests in the East,” said Mr Tapley, “my opinion is that a trade commissioner possessing the highest commercial qualifications should be sent there. In some places in the East cool storage is not available, but I think this could be easily financed through the medium of the Dairy Control Board and the Meat Producers’ Board, which have the means of levying on those who would benefit by the expansion of trade.' The necessary finance could be found without increasing the present levies.” *