TRADE WITH GREAT BRITAIN.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1920, Page 4

TRADE WITH GREAT BRITAIN.

A REMARKABLE REVIVAL

WELLINGTON, August 10.

The returns of imports for the second quarter of 1920, which have just been issued ,sbow a remarkable revival of Now Zealand trade with Great Britain. It appears that British manufacturers whose, trade with the Dominion suffered severely during the war are rapidly recovering their position. Imports from the United Kingdom for the June quarter were valued at £6,996,259, as compared with £2,994,898 for the corresponding quarter of 1919. Imports from Australia for the same periods showed an advance from £1,154,854 to £3,7 1 7,830. Imports from the United Stales increased from £1,891,590 to £2,001,706 a comparatively insignificant advance, while imports from Japan fell from £379,182 to £248,550. Figures showing the values of the principal imports during the first six months of 1920 illustrate a revival of British trade. These figures cover goods from all countries, but it is obvious that the major increases are in British goods. The total imports for the first six months of 1919 had a value of £24,198 674 as against £15,876,602 for the corresponding period of last year, while the total volume of imports from life United States does not show any markad increase. Importations of motor vehicles have increased by about £900,000 for the half-year. A very large proportion of the motor-cars imported, into New Zealand are coming from tli. e United States, so that it is evident the Americans have been losing ground in other respects. Japan is failing to hold the footing won in the New Zealand market during the war. His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, Mr R. W. Dalton, told a reporter that he had noticed the remarkable development of trade revealed bv the official figures, and lie was taking steps to ascertain as rapidly as possible wliat was the true explanation of this move-) inent. “I attach a very great deal ofl importance to it,” ho said, ‘‘and I must confess that I did not anticipate such a large and rapid reversion of trade to the United Kingdom. In view if all the circumstances, I do not think it would be wise to be ■, optimistic regarding the new position, but I think 1 may reasonable conclude from these figures that a recovery ol British trade with 'New Zealond is certain. Everybody knows that the last eighteen months have proved a very difficult period in the United Kngdom, and if, in spite of these difficulties, it has been' possible for manufacturers to , achieve such an enormous increase in trade with New Zealand, it should he easily possible for them when conditions become more normal, to make any more than a complete recovery of their prewar position. Mr Dalton added that he was aware the enormous increase in trade with the United Kingdom in the last quarter had been due to some extent to special circumstances. It was -well-known: that until a few months ago the congestion in the United Kingdom was such that goods completed in the execution of orders could not be shipped, but lately vessels had been coining out full. Buyers in this country confirm the fact that orders which would normally, have come forward at an earlier date, have been coming forward very rapidly within the last two oi: three months. At the same time, there lias been little, if any, cessation of buying, and in some trades buying is greater now than it was last year. f> •■This big improvement of trade,' said Mr Dalton, “is an indication that British manufacturers are still pre-emi-nent with New Zealand buyers, and also that manufacturers, in spite of the enormous demand for their goods, are able to supply a very considerable part of New Zealand’s needs. For myself ,1 feel, more .confident as to the prospects of the future than I have ever felt, although I have always lelievod and said that British manu- ; ccturers were strong enough to re-,..-vor their trade when the opportunity. v emitted.”