TRADE WITH U.S.A.

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 836, 3 December 1929, Page 10

TRADE WITH U.S.A.

BETTER FACILITIES FOR DOMINION

REPRESENTATION URGED The fact that the balance of trade was considerably in favour of America and that New Zealand's imports from the United States regularly exceeded the value of exports by a large margin, was due in large measure to the activities of America’s enthusiastic and capable trade representatives in New Zealand. This opinion was expressed by the "Hon. J. G. Cobbe, Minister of Industries and Commerce, who presided at a dinner tendered by the Government to passengers on the Malolo, and a number of representative Auckland business meij, at the Grand Hotel last evening. Those present included the Mayor. Mr. G. Baildon; Mr. W. F. Boyle. Consul for the United States at Auckland; Mr. C. M. Croft, Canadian Trade Commissioner; the Hon. .1. B. Donald, Postmaster-General; Messrs. J. S. Fletcher, A. Harris. H. R. Jenkins, \V. J. Jordan and G. C. Munns, M.P.'s; Mr. M. H. Wynyard, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board; Mr. H. T. Merritt, chairman of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce; Mr. C. Kuukel, assistant-trade commissioner for the United States; Mr. G. Finn, president of the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association; Mr. J. Collett, actingmanager of the Tourist Department; Mr. J. AV. Collins, secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce; Captain C. A. Berudtson. master of the Malolo, and officers of the ship. FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES

There appeared to be ample opportunity for further development in the Dominion’s trade with America, said the Plon. J. G. Cobbe, in proposing the toast, "Our Guests.” An announcement was made last year by one of the shipping companies that, with a view toward improving trade facilities, It intended installing refrigerating machinery in four vessels for that particular trade.

New Zealaijd had suffered somewhat as it had no accredited expert trade representative in America who could give accurate information and advice regarding her products and the prospects of trade. One of the matters decided upon by the Government of New Zealand during the recent session was the appointment of a trade representative to Canada who would deal mainly with trade matters in Eastern Canada, though his jurisdiction would probably be extended to deal with the eastern seaboard of the United States. It was hoped that later New Zealand’s representation would be widened by the inclusion of the Pacific coast. PLEASANT VISIT

In responding, Mr. C. C. Moore, past president of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, referred to the pleasurable short visit spent by the tourists in the Auckland Province. Mr. J. C. Robinson, vice-president of the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, dealt with the outstanding problems of the Pacific countries at which the Malolo had touched. The toast, “Chambers of Commerce and the Guests,” was proposed by Mr. Merritt, and replied to by Mr. R. N. Lynch, vice-president and manager of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and by Mr. R. W. Iligbie, diree tor of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce.

Other speakers were the Mayor, Mr. Wynyard, Mr. Boyle and Mr. Croft.

Mr. Lynch proposed the health of the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and expressed the wish that he would soon recover from his illness. He recalled Sir Joseph’s visit to Sar. Francisco some years ago, when he addressed the Chamber of Commerce. The presentation of albums of New Zealand views was made by the Minister to the principal visiting guests.

The function concluded with the singing of “Auhl Lang Syne.”