SOUTH AMERICAN PORTS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1995, 28 February 1914, Page 6

SOUTH AMERICAN PORTS

TRADE PROSPECTS FOR NEW. I; ' ; ZEALAND. The question as to whether or not New Zealand will derive any commercial benefit from trade with the West Coast ports of South America, when the Panama Canal is opened, was discussed at yesterday's meeting of tho Central Chamber or Commerce. The chairman (Mr. A. Hunt) stated that in view of the opening of tho Panama Canal there was tho .probability of Homeward bound steamers from New Zealand calling at the West Coast ports of South America. , If such 1 happened to be tho case there would'bo'new, markots opening up, and there was no doubt that the export of dairy produco and fruit from the Dominion would increase. In his opinion, New Zealand would before long have extensive markets for produce at v these ports. Ho moved that tho Government bo approached and asked to dispatch, a Trado Commissioner as early as possible to investigate tiie trade possibilities at the West Coast ports. -Mr. J. Reid thought tho idea was good,' but with the .present-day maritime trade, there was" always the question of -;back carriage. Ho did not think that New Zealand would got any imports from the West Coast ports, and he contended that there was nothing produced in South America which would be available for.New Zealand.

After further discussion, the motion was 1 carried unanimously.