The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1913. TRADE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 33, 9 October 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1913. TRADE IN SOUTH AFRICA.

A recently issued Blue Book on the trade of the Union of South Africa and ofi Rhodesia for 1912 states that with regard to material development eonelusions may be drawn as to an allround development especially in the pastoral and agricultural industries. Sir R. S. Holland, who prepared the report, considers that the figures mark the rapid recovery that has taken 1 place from the ravages caused by the' Boer War, which almost decimated flock- and herds in certain district-;.' The effects of drought were felt in several industries, but nevertheless

the total import ami export return! of the country continued to expand "It is therefore obvious," says tin report, "thai the industrial develop

moil! of thf country is now on a broader basis .and is of a more general and varied character than in pas! years. Fresh enterprises are starting ii]> in all parts of the country, each adding; no doubt, to the sufn total of production and strengthening the general purchasing power of the peopl?." Tbe I'liion's total import trade last year amounted to £39,845,210 and the export trade to £63,272,743, making ja grand total of C1C3,117,953. Sine?! 1907 the import trade has increased' by. £12,1 16,194, or 13. S per cent., and! the export trade by £16,416.723, or 35 per cent., so that within six years the total of the Union increased by £23,562,917, or 38.3 per cent., thus reach-: ing the highest point yet attained in the history of the co'mtry. The ex-j cess of exports over imports amounted to £27,615,010. ''The weak feature in

the economic position of South Africa, ' says the report, "is, of course, the extent to which its prosperity is dependent upon the mining industry, especially seeing that minerals are a wasting iisset. .Hut the resources in this respec! are so vast that there need be no misgiving so long as nothing is done to hamper the industry in its operations and in the inflow of the necessary capital, without which it would immediately' suffer. The disproportion which minerals bear to the total exports of the country is most striking, but it is satisfactory to note that the exports of non-mineral South African products are steadily increasing in value."