TRADE WITH THE EAST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18205, 28 September 1933, Page 11

TRADE WITH THE EAST

N.Z.’S DISADVANTAGE RECIPROCITY NEEDED “Every possible avenue of trade must be explored and inability to open a fresh market in any particular country must not be confessed bv the Dominion until it is proved definitely that no opening exists," said the Hon. R. Masters, Alim ister of Industries and Commerce, at Stratford, after he had commented on the glutted state of the British market. He had conversations in London with delegates from India, Mr. Masters said, and India was anxious to make a trade connection with New Zealand. He could say that tentative arrangements that would be very satisfactory for New Zealand were made.

Last year India sent goods worth *£354,000 to New Zealand. New Zealand - Aeturned to India only £54,000. The Dutch East Indies exported £751,000 to New Zealand ; the return trade was only £SOOO. Negotiations were made also with Belgium, and Mr. Masters thought they would prove of advantage to New Zealand.

la America the Democrats’ policy was to reduce tariffs, and the New Zealand delegates were promised that when conditions became more normal America would consider reopening trade with New Zealand. While he was talking to President Roosevelt, Mr. Masters added, he drew attention to the duty of Is 5d per lb. on New Zealand wool imported into America. The United States imported 60 per cent, of its requirements in wool, Satnd, the fallacy of making the American people pay such a duty was obvious. “It is for us to see,” Air. Masters said, “that two-way trade is established with other countries.”