TRADE WITH AMERICA

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1921, Page 4

TRADE WITH AMERICA

SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT.

MISSION OF THE CONSUL- | GENERAL. i I The United States Consul-General for New Zealand, Mr D. F. Wilber, who lias J succeeded Mr A. A. Winsloy, is in i Auckland, and intends remaining there until suitable premises can be secured j in Wellington, whither it has been do- i cided to transfer the consulate. Mr Wilber stated that the most important duty lie would have to perform would lie to foster business between the Dominion and the United States. There was ample scope for a considerable trade between the two countries, and bis aim would be to assist this in every way possible. Asked what effect the protective legislation foreshadowed by the United j States Administration would have upon i Hie export of primary products from New Zealand to America, Mr Wilber said he did not know anything about what his Government proposed in this direction. He was certain, however, that the United States would not discriminate between New Zealand Products and those from other countries. Personally he did not think the productive tariff would amount to very much. He admitted that a duty on New Zealand, produce exported to America would mean that it might have to bo sold at prices higher than was paid for similar products of local origin, but so far as mutton and lamb were concerned this would not affect the market, for the reason that these would be imported during * the American winter when local supplies were bare. Years ago production of foodstuffs in i!k> United States \Vas equal to the demand, but. the growth of population had outstripped primary production, and the people had been compelled to import large quartities of articles of food. “Therefore,” said Mr Wilber, “it does not seem to matter a great deal what prices they have to pay so long as they want what this country has to export.” Continuing, lie stated that he would assist importers in this country to do business with Amciica. Speaking with reference to industrial conditions in Europe, Mr Wilber said the chief trouble appeared to him to he that the' people were not producing enough, and while this state of affaiis obtained they could not expect their international credit to improve. On the contrary, it would become worse. It, was well known that they were continuing a policy ot extravagance, and while this lasted they could not hope to improve their condition.