TRADE IN THE ISLANDS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17956, 7 December 1932, Page 11

TRADE IN THE ISLANDS

POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS NEW ZEALAND’S POSITION "Now Zealand lias not tried to compete against Australian' business influence in the Islands, but the time is opportune for efforts to bo made to extend trade,” stated Mr. L- C. Miller, reporting to the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association on commercial opportunities for New Zealand ip the Pacific. Mr. 'S. Table, president of the association, welcomed Mr. Miller, who represented New Zealand manufacturers diuijig their recent.exhibit at the Fiji Exhibition, Suvti. The display occupied a space of 200 ft. by sft.. and consisted of rcprcßentat%e lines of New Zealand products. Mr. Miller reported that he had intciviewed members of the Fijian Government regarding the tariff against Now Zealand and suggested that efforts should bo made to obtain the removal of disadvantages. “The manufacturers’ exhibit was perhaps tho most interesting part of the show,” stated Mr. Miller. “The people in Fiji displayed keen interest, but, against that, the complaint seemed to be that New Zealand had not looked after its trade with Fiji and the Islands generally.”

Mr. Miller expressed the opinion that New Zealand still had a considerable opening for its goods, apart from textiles. Wpollen goods presented no scope. Cotton from England was used considerably, but Japan unfortunately was now obtaining a market. The time appeared to be opportune, however, for New Zealand manufacturers to compete in Fiji and other Island groups with other interests. In foodstuffs, and also in the market for beer, something could he dope by New Zealand, the speaker continued. All the beer in the Islands was coining from Australia. In Tonga, the, Government seemed to favor Australian interests and there would be difficulties from New Zealand’s point of view. There were distinct prospects in Samoa and the old feeling against New Zealand seemed to be disappearing. In Fiji, in spite of tariff operations, Government officials were hopeful of improved trade with New Zealand, but a great necessity was better communication with the Islands.