TRADE WITH WEST INDIES.

Wairarapa Age, 27 February 1934, Page 5

TRADE WITH WEST INDIES.

POSSIBILITIES FOR DOMINION PRODUCE. DELEGATION SUGGESTED. CHRISTCHURCH, February 26. A trade delegation from New Zealand should visit Jamaica and other islands of the West Indies, the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. B. Masters, suggested in an interview. The Minister said Jamaica was not far off the direct shipping route between New Zealand and England. A representative of the Industries and Commerce Department in Canada, Mr. J. W. Collins, had been active during the past two years in fostering trade between New Zealand and Jamaica and in that time a fair amount of butter and tinned meat had been sent there. With a view to getting more detailed knowledge of the requirements of Jamaica for New Zealand produce the Minister, during his visit to Canada last year, had instructed Mr. Collins to make a report on that country. The report was now to hand and he believed the commercial men of New Zealand should take a live interest in the exploitation of trade with the islands of the West Indies visited by Mr. Collins, particularly Jamaica. It would be advisable to make a similar survey of the trade possibilities of the Barbadoes, Trinidad and British Guiana. The import trade of this area was substantial, especially in butter, cheese, condensed milk and canned meats. It might be well worth while for a trade delegation from New Zealand to visit these islands and show some initiative by following up the efforts of the Minister and Department in an endeavour to widen the markets of New Zealand overseas. (PA.)