TRADE WITH THE EAST

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1933, Page 9

TRADE WITH THE EAST

DOMINION’S OPPORTUNITY READY MARKET EXISTING. DISPOSAL OF PRIMARY PRODUCE. The possibilities existing in the East for new markets for Dominion produce was indicated by Mr. A. J. Sinclair, secretary-manager of the Te Awamutu Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, in an address to members pf the Auckland Creditmen’s Club, A clear indication had been given recently that the diversion of 10,000 tons of Dominion - butter to other markets would be greatly appreciated in the United Kingdom, . Mr. Sinclair said. Previously, New Zealand producer? had found comfort in the thought that any surplus could be absorbed into the United Kingdom at'a satisfactory priqe, and a section even considered it would be unpatriotic to send Dominion good? elsewhere, but the old Upited Kingdom policy of free trade, under which Great Britain became the dumping ground for the surplus from any country, had gone. EAST THE ONLY MARKET. New Zealand had never made a succesful attempt to develop other markets, although a state of over-production had now been reached. The only market offering was in the East. An attempt was made some time ago by one concern, but it failed after a promising beginning, as the task was too big for any one industry alone. A combination qf all exporters was necessary for New Zealand to enter the Eastern market successfully. - Australia, however, was endeavouring to capture a large proportion of the Eastern trade, and a show boat, a floating exbfoitjpn of Australian produce, was being prepared to go to Singapore next mpnth. Australian producers were receiving strong support from the Federal Government, and in the la?t thro® year? foe Commonwealth fiad increased her trade with the East fay 50 per cent, last year’s total amounting to goods worth £21,000,000. COMPARISON WITH AUSTRALIA. Goods valued at £.40,000,000 were imported by Hongkong in 1931, and Australia accounted for £340,000, while the Dominion’s share was only £14,000. In the same year Australia sent 1,000,0001 b. pf frpzen meat to Hongkong, and the Dommiqn sent none. China’s imports in 1931 were £170,000,000, of which £3,340,000 WO? for Australian goods, while - only 4?}7,000 came to New Zealand. Such figures showed beyond doubt that a great market existed in the East.

Shipping difficulties a? far as New Zealand wa? concerned could be overcome, three companies being willing to prqvide a 28 days’ service direct' between the Dominion and the East, There wa? an urgent need for a new trading organisation in foe Dominion, a Private enterprise on foe lines of a public company, with dairy companies and other concern? as shareholders.

Trade representatives should be appointed, and expert supervision exerci?ed in grading and packing. Trading capital need not be large, as mo?t of the business could be done pn epnsignment. Given foe support pf foe Government and' various commercial organisation?, the undertakirig could quickly develop R remunerative trade with the East.