EMPIRE TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1698, 14 March 1913, Page 6

EMPIRE TRADE.

COMMISSION AT AUCKLAND. • PREFERENTIAL FREIGHTS. INTERESTING EVIDENCE. ■ — I (By Telflirapb.—Preii Association.) Auckland, March 13. The - Trade Commission was welcomed \bv Mr. S. Nathan (president of tho Chamber of Commerce), who said the employers ill this part of the Dominion experienced the same difficultiesl in obtaining labour as'elsewhere in New Zealand for farming, factories, and workshops. The general opinion of employers was that a judicious immigration policy, should be put into operation' by the'Gov- • eminent, lie had reason to believe something was likely (p lie done in this direcPreferential freights was the biggest factor" tho British manufacturer had to contend with. He quoted instances including glass .bottles, gin, and soda ash, 011 which freight'was less from Germany, via London than 011 British goods from London direct. He suggested that if New Zealand threatened to establish a line of steamers between here and England the shipping companies would immediately reduce the freight -in order to stave off the competition. Much interest was manifested by the members of the Commission in the evidence given by Mr. Geo. Elliot, recently president of tile Chamber of Commerce, regarding the detrimental effect of differential freights upon British manufacturers. Instances were given by liim in sitpport 'of his'statement that freight on cargoes shipped from Hamburg to New Zealand via London was lower than the rate charged for British goods shipped direct from London.

1 His evidence was corroborated by Mr. S. J. Nathan, president of the Chamber of Commerce. .

Continuing Mr. Elliot explained that on many articles New Zealand charges foreign goods 50 per cent more duty than that paid on similar British goods. For efcunple. if 20 per cent is charged on certain British articles it practically means that 30' per .cent is charged on similar foreign articles, or 10 per cent more than oiii British articles; but British trade can have 110 possible chance when it is handicapped by difference of freights of '■17\ per cent.

Numerous questions were ■ addressed to Mr. Elliot by 'members of the Commission. . Replying to them lie said he believed' the differential rates applied to all classes of {roods in fnvour of Germany, and he made it clear that both. high and low rates were charged on the same voyage. Some years ego he made exhaustive inquiries among shipping companies who virtually told liiin that they knew how to run their businesses. • He believed the' system originated when there were not full cargoes offering in. the United Kingdom,- and"German'manufacturers offered to guarantee to -supply tho deficiency, and were given preferential rates. The shipping companies argued that by accepting low freights on foreign goods they were, keeping out competition by foreign shipping.

The chairman asked Mr. Elliot to supply the Commission with documentary evidence in support of his statements. Sir Edgar Vincent/added' thaf; the shipping companies were probably 'defeating their own object. The system of preferential freighting would probably foster suftieieiit trade to justify the establishment of direct German steamers. -'Mr. Nathan .siiggrsteri that-the only effective remedy would bo restrictive legislation: ■»i A-VALEDICTORY SPEECH. ■ ■' ' :... BY.,SIR EBGAI? TINOENT.. (By Telesraph.—Press Association.) AucKland, March 13., Speaking at the opening- of the proceedings at the Dominions Koyal Commission," the chairman (Sir-lidgar Vincent) said:— "We have now-reached nearly the end of our visit to New -Zealand, and this is perhaps the mcst convenient opportunity tor nu to expreis, on; behalf ot the Commission, our feelings of recognition and gratitude to the New Zealand.Government ami to all the inhabitants of New Zealand who have assisted us in our work during our short.stay here. I .desire particularly to thank those Ministers under whose charge the arrangements have been. We feel.a deep debt\'of gratitude-to Mr. Malcolm licss, and also to Mr. Jaries Hislop '(Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs), who has brought his long experience to bear in facilitating our task. I .desire specially ,-fc : mention the admirable work performed Ly'Messrs.-.Gray-and Gore (the official reporters). Every one of us has been ■ immensely struck with the admirable ' reports . given throughout i\ew Ze.'k'aud by thii local press. "We all hope that the sittings we have held ill New Zealand will be productive of" good, -both/for the "Empire at large and tq New Zealand. Jn particular," Sir Edgar continued,.;"we ,have, learned imieh from the witnesses. -1 do. not .like to specify among them, but I have ..bsen deeply impressed by the representatives of various Departments of the State. I think in your permanent officials you have a body of mei.' of whom the.greatest' nation might be proud; .What has impressed me particularly has been their knowledge of their work, and the obvious sincerity with ! 'which they have answered. all questions ■which have been put to them. "The memory of this beautiful land will be ft joy to us throughout our lives," said Sir Edgar, in conclusion. "I trust that those who have been in contact with us, and also those who directly or indirectly have been'interested in-our work, will refain for us those feelings of affection and regard which they have inspired in us, ,who have been their guests and who will always remain their friends." (Applause.) AT NEW PLYMOUTH. New Plymouth, March 13. The Empire Trade Commissioners today; visited the Mount Egmont Hostelry and'-other plan's ot' 'interest. They were 'much,'impressed.with tho scenic beauties of the district. They left for' Auckland ■ by the Jiarawa to-night.