THE SEARCH FOR MARKETS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 108, 10 May 1933, Page 10

THE SEARCH FOR MARKETS

The considerable import trade of the West Indies is mainly provided by Canada, Great Britain and the United States, countries that are all geographically in more or less close touch with the West Indian islands, and connected wth them by regular shipping services. New Zealand is not so fortunately situated. No vessel from this Dominion touches at any of the islands. A steamer may occasionally call at Jamaica. The position is scarcely such, therefore, as to encourage the idea that the Trade Commissioner in Canada has made a discovery in which New Zealand shippers will be deeply interested. It is difficult to see that the attempt to secure a market for New Zealand products in the West Indies can be carried out on a remunerative basis, oi* that tho possibilities are even as favourable as those of the extension of New Zealand trade to the Far East—the Dutch possessions, China, and Japan—in which the Minister of Industries and Commerce has shown a laudable interest. It is unfortunate that it should be difficult to take a inorc encouraging view of the prospects for a West Indian market, for the search for frosh markets for this country’s surplus products is a very desirable activity. It has to be realised, however, that Now Zealand is heavily handicapped In the matter of the extension of her trade to countries with which she has no direct shipping communication.—Otago Daily Timos.