TRADE AMBASSADORS

Evening Star, Issue 19785, 8 February 1928, Page 9

TRADE AMBASSADORS

DELEGATION TO SAMOA DUNEDIN REPRESENTATION INDEFINITE When the new Government motor, ship Maui Pomare, to be engaged in the Samoan-Nuie-South Island trade, makes her first trip to the Pacific Islands, a delegation representing manufacturers and traders will be the passengers. It is doubtful as yet whether Dunedin will be fully represented. The trip has been delayed, as, according to advice received by the executive of the Dunedin Manufacturers’, Association last night, the vessel will not leave England till February 29, and consequently the initial trip to the Islands will nc4 be made till May. The Secretary (Mr G. W. Reid) reported that since the last meeting of the association the committee appointed to make the selection of suitable Dunedin representation had had many discussions. Up to the present the Chamber of Commerce had been unable to definitely arrange its delegates, and the association was in the same position. Mr W. E. G. Reid was prepared to make the trip if required, and Messrs J. Hogg and J. Cuddy also hoped to bo among the delegates. Mr Reid said that he had interviewed Mr Finn, .who had been selected ns one of Auckland’s delegates, after which he had decided to ask the Government to include Norfolk Island in the itinerary of the first voyages, as the island would be visited on' all later trips. In his reply Mr J. W. Collins, of the Industries and Commerce Department, had stated that it was absolutly impossible to include Norfolk Island in the first trip. Another development was the likelihood of delay in making the trip. The Government had cabled the High Commissioner seeking definite information, and a reply had been received that there was little likelihood of the Maui Pomare leaving the United Kingdom till February 29. The Island trip would not bo possible before May, when the weather would he more pleasant than the month originally planned, Mr Collins personally did not regret the delay, owing to the existing conditions in Samoa. There was no doubt of the full number of nominations being received for the trip: in fact, the Department of External Affairs had agreed to allot the full accommodation—thirty berths—to the delegates, who would in most cases he accompanied hy their wives. The delays would give the association, said Mr Reid, more time for selecting suitable delegates

The. Chairman (Mr T. Somerville) suggested Hint the letters he referred to the special committee, which would call a mooting with the Fruitgrowers’ Association and the Chamber of Commerce.

Mr J. Hogg considered that the best plan would bo to hold a meeting of the firms interested in the Island trade, ns was done when the steamer Sussex started on the Java run three years ago. Samples of manufactures could be scut with the delegates, who should be out to bind relations and create goodwill for trade._ Tbo association decided to leave matters in tbc bands of tbo secretary.