TRADE WITH BELGIUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3831, 16 August 1927, Page 80

TRADE WITH BELGIUM.

SCOPE FOR LARGE INTERCHANGE. AUCKLAND, August 11. As a result of negotiations with the Belgian Government by Mr Albert J. van Osselaer, made with the backing of the High Commissioner and the New Zealand Meat Board, it is probable that the Dominion will be able to export large quantities of boneless beef to Belgium. Mr van Osselaer, who was a passenger on the Ruahine, from Southampton to-day, said that there existed a great prejudice against boneless beef in Belgium on account of bad supplies ; but he hoped that prejudice had now been overcome. “New Zealand is held in high regard in Belgium,” stated Mr van Osselaer. “It is not generally known that large quantities or this country’s hemp and rabbit skins find their way into Belgium, via England. . I know the hemp does not lose its New Zealand identity because it is of unusual quality.” While in Belgium Mr van Osselaer was able to study the effect tariffs had on the welfare of the country. “New Zealand places a high tariff on American goods, but what do American aanufacturers do?” he asked. “They manufacture in Canada with American capital, and their goods are ranked as British. The Belgians are unable to do this, and one of their biggest industries—the manufacture of tyres—is severely hit by the tariffs imposed here and in other countries. I quite agree that Great Britain should have preference; but nof all the preference.” Belgium, he added, had made a wonderful recovery since the war. All the devastated cities and villages had been rebuilt and everyone seemed busy. There were no* unemployed in the country, and although wages were not high people seemed to live a comfortable and happy life. Great Britain was proving a good customer, and this added to the general prosperity.