SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 7 December 1901, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE.

(per press association.)

Wellington, December 6,

Tlic Minister of Industries and Commerce received an interim report from Mr Gow Government Trade Commissioner,* who left the colony [some time sjeco with the object of fostering trade

i abroad. Mr Gow, in writing from Durban on 18th October, informs the Minister that he has been closely occupied in prosecuting his inquiries into the condition of the South African market for New Zealand products and is furnishing information to large numbers of inquirers. His observations lead him to the emphatic conclusion that South Africa offers an unlimited field for New Zealand enterprise. It is admitted on every hand, he reports, that the whole country is crying aloud for better and cheaper food, and if the demand has been great in the past it must necessarily be far greater in the future. In conclusion, Mr Gow says that the need for direct, regular, and suitable shipping facilities from New Zealand to South African ports is being forcibly impressed upon him, and as that is a matter of pressing importance in the development of trade relations with that country he forwards reports from certain firms for Ministers’ information. He is convinced that it is only in London that any definite arrangements can bo made.