Trade With Germany.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1922, Page 1

Trade With Germany.

COMPETITION FEARED IN AUSTRALIA.

SYDNEY, Jan. 18.

[t has now been definitely decided by the Federal Cabinet that trade with Germany will be resumed on August Ist next.

An embargo on trade with the enemy countries has been in operation for more than seven years, and it is only a few weeks ago that the Federal Parliament expressed the opinion that the time has arrived for the lifting of the, restrictions.

'['lie Prime Minister, Mr Hughes, States that with the resumption of trade relations Germany would be entitled to representation in Australia, and that a consul would have to be appointedIm ordqr to prevent unfair competition, tlie Ministry lias decided to delay the actual resumption of trade relations until August, and in the meantime measures are being prepared to prevent the dumping of German goods into Australia.

The details of these restrictions were announced by the Minister for Customs, Mr Rodgers. “The Government,”, said Mr Rodgers, “has aim.ed at giving Australia and British manufacturers, as well as the commercial community, who hold stocks -and may have on order further stocks, reasonable notice to enable them to acquire stocks and readjust conditions to meet tlie arrival of German goods on the Australian market.’

Statements that have been made that the German shipping companies will shortly inaugurate a steamship service to Australia are causing great interest in business and official quarters. Very lory rates of wages are paid to the officers and men employed, and it is evident that the German lines would be run under conditions against which British-owned shipping could not possibly compete. The Prime Minister (M.r Hughes), when questioned on the matter, declined to make any statement. It is understood ,however, that if the line is established the Commpmvealth Government will take steps to protect British interests. Extensive powers are possessed by the Commonwealth under the Navigation Act and in other ways. It would not he a difficult matter to inaugurate measures which would enable British and Australian ships to maintain their present position.