SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 316, 17 January 1902, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE.

STATEMENTS BY THE PREMIER, (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, last night. A deputation which represented the largest dairy produce exporters in the North Island waited on the Premier to-day on the all-important subject of the intentions of the Government in assisting the exploitation of outside markets. It was pointed out by a member of the deputation that owing to the Australian market being now closed, exporters looked to the Cape for an outlet. They were, therefore, anxious to know whether the Government were making any arrangements for conveyance of dairy produce to South Africa, as they believed there was a splendid opening in that country. They believed the loss of Australian trade would be more than made up if they got a regular and satisfactory service, delivery of cargoes being made with a fair degree of certainty as to time. Shipping via Sydney and Melbourne would mean a handicap on produce of a farthing to a halfpenny per lb. The Premier’s reply was important. He said that in the course of a day or two advertisements for steamers would be published. He hoped within a month to have secured a direct steam service between New Zealand and the Cape. Government wished to embrace West Australia en route, as notwithstanding the tariff, there would be a market in that State for New Zealand produce. Government eouid not devote money voted by Parliament towards giving subsidies to shippers as had been suggested, because the money had been voted for the establishment of a direct service, not for the payment of bonuses to produce exporters. If a bonus were given to shippers of butter and cheese, other exporters would demand consideration. Government had received a report from Mr Gow, tlqe Trade Commissioner, who bore oqt what the deputation said about the possibilities of the South African market. Mr Gow was, however, not in favor of the New Zealand Government erecting cold stores at the Cape.