EX-ENEMY COUNTRIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1923, Page 4

EX-ENEMY COUNTRIES.

TRADE PROSPECTS DISCUSSED

AUCKLAND, Sept:. 10

In view of lho appeal made hy Mr Xml Hhnslie, British Trade Commissioner, in which lu> urged New Zealand to buy from Groat Britain instead of foreign countries, the opinions of Auckland merchants on the prospects of goods from Germany and other enemy countries coming into the local markets have been sought. .Merchants who handle good* manufactured in late enemy countries do not anticipate any great flow of articles from those sources, at least in the immediate future. One of the principal grounds for this view is that while the present situation in the Buhr continues, German (inns are not offering to guarantee shipments, nor are they submitting prices with their avdertisenients in tic rather elaborate trade journals now reaching this country.

Commenting on this aspect of the question, merchants stated that there was a general feeling against starting business with Germany, as there was no certainty as to how any particular deal would turn out. In the case of countries having a greatly depreciated currency, provision is made for imposing an extra duty to counterbalance any advantage thus conferred on the enemy country. There are certain lines mentioned in the tariff which may be declared to lie the subject of the depreciated currency tax, but white the

list is somewhat limited, it may he extended. Anyone' with a grievance against goods from a country having a depreciated currency may request the Minister of Customs to determine whether or not the importation of such goods would prejudicially or injuriously affect British or local industry. In view of this position, it is not considered by a number of local importers that Germany or neighbouring enemy countries are likely to be serious competitors of British manufacturers for some time, or, at least, until a more settled tone prevails on the Continent. All things, however, being more equal, it is thought that Germany may make a determined effort to regain the footing she enjoytd in the Dominion prior to the outbreak of the war. h is stated that there has not been much of an attempt, so far, to regain ibis footing, but when the effort is made the range of goods which Germany will be able to offer will he fairly extensive. Goods which it is anticipated may be offered to local importers include machinery, tools, technical and builders’ supplies, general hardware, fancy goods, 'and toys. It is thought that glassware and sewing machines, surgical instruments, and drugs will also he

coming forward. Fine tools and metalworkers' tools as well as electrical machinery and apparatus were largely supplied hy Germany prior to the war, and it is thought that these items as well as pianos will be offered when the time is opportune. It was slated on Saturday that in tin? past the Germans have made some very superior stationary and marine c>il engines, and certain merchants have endeavoured to learn of the quality of the product to-day. There would not seem to have been much enquiry for German motor-ears, and German trade journals to hand make little mention of those vehicles, although motor-cycles arc apparently being made in some quantity.