TRADE WITH AUSTRIA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16869, 5 February 1929, Page 10

TRADE WITH AUSTRIA

COMMISSIONER'S VISIT TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALAND Austria, a country which, unknown to many, occupies a prominent position amongst the manufacturing countries of the Continent, is endeavoring, though handicapped by lack of finance, to reestablish the 'trade with the outside world which was hers before the outbreak of the Great War, and that she is seeking a. market for her exports in this Dominion is made evident by the appointment of Mr. 0. J. Thedens as Austrian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand. Mr. Thedens, an Auckland! merchant, who is fairly well known in this district, is at present visiting. Gisborne, and while chatting with a pressman he managed to convey the impression that the country which he represents is finding it difficult to dispose of her exports. Although one of the most prominent manufacturing countries, Austria is essentially a poor nation, Mr. Thedens explained, and is not in a position to indulge in any propaganda. The question of reciprocity- in trade with New Zealand was raised, and it became evident from the commissioner's remark? that while Austria was anxious to export large quantities of manufactured articles of all descriptions to New Zealand, there was not much in the way of produce; from this Dominion that she was pre? pared to take in return. He pointed out that' New Zealand meat, wool, apd butter coidd not compete in Austria, but New Zealand could, probably find a gogd market for skins, hides and fruit in that 'country. Mr. Thedens observed that the laudatory remarks of visitors from other lands and of New Zealanders on their return from trips to Europe in reference to the advantages enjoyed by this Dominion were usually regarded as a gesture of politeness." He himself, however, was familiar with almost every country in the •world, and could say without fear of denial that one had to visit other lands before one could appreciate to the full the up-to-date, methods adopted in New Zealand. Particularly was this applicable to the tal Department, to which the commissioner paid a. glowing tribute, remarking that the New Zealand postal authorities set an example to the world; in the, manner in which they handled the mails. IGNORANCE OP NEW ZEALAND. It was surprising, nevertheless, to notice how little was known of New Zealand, even in the Old Country, the commissioner observed, and as an instancy of this ignorance he mentioned ah experience of his in a London Post Office. Mr. Thedens wished to dispatch a. cablegram to Auckland, but the clerk behind the counter was totally unaware of the whereabouts of the city, and turning to an associate, asked whether Auckland was in South Africa or South America. Mr. Thedens informed him 'that it. wa,s in New Zealand, and Hie clerk then wanted to know if New Zealand was a province of Australia. It seemed incredible that people in England should display such total ignorance of the country from which they obtained much of their., wool, meat and butter.

Referring briefly to New Zealand's' place in the butter market at Home, Mr. Thedens opined that this Dominion had a powerful competitor in Denmark. There was a flavor in the Danish butter which was entirely lacking in the product from this country, despite the fact that the New Zealand dairy farms were, equipped with the most modern machinery, were conducted on scientific principles, and were stocked with splendid herds. In appearance the New Zealand butter was unsurpassed, but it lacked the flavor which made -Danish, butter so popular at home. Importers in Britain, however, had nothing but admira,tion for New Zealand in being able tr> manufacture butter .which could find a market on the other side'of the globe.

The commissioner, who visited Mr. R. C. Murphy yesterday afternoon, will spend a day or two, in Gisborne before returning to Auckland.