AUSTRALIAN HOPES

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1930, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN HOPES

PROSPECTS IN CHINA. SYDNEY, Aug, 21. In its search for new markets, Australia is turning, its eyes East, particularly to China. With this object in view a conference was opened this week to consider plans that would provide for a reduction of freights between Australia and Eastern ports. Other matters set down for discussion were refrigerated accommodation, organisation of selling and buying, packing, grading and labelling of products, publicity, and the appointment of a Trade Commissioner. The Minister for Markets (Mr Parker Moloney) was responsible for the calling of the conference, which is being attended by the representatives of shipping companies and of the producers in all the States. The Minister emphasised that it was the desire of the Government to do everything possible to increase the export trade. The East offered a great and favourable market. Pointing out that Australian exporters were greatly handicapped by high freights, he suggested that the shiping companies would he able to reduce these if shippers could combine to provide larger cargoes at regular intervals. As an example of Australia’s freight handicap, he quoted the rate to (Singapore, which, he said, was 130 s a ton, compared with 100 s a ton from California. All the speakers who followed the Minister at the opening of the conference stressed the fact that lower freights we v e necessary if Australia was successfully to compete with America in the Eastern markets. They discussed the possibilities of shippers being able to give guarantees that would ensure a reduction in the freight rates. It is pointed out that Australia is specially adapted, both geographically and climatically to supply China with a large proportion of her food requirements, Shanghai itself, with its population of 3,000,000, is an important market. At one time there was a regular steamer service between Australian ports and Shanghai. This was interrupted by the war, and no attempt has since been made to restore it. Mr Moloney says that contrary to the general belief Australia has already done a very substantial trade with the Eastern countries. During the past three years the total trade with the combined Eastern countries amounted to more than £130.000,000. Australia during 1928-29 imported from the East goods valued at more than £21,7-50,000, leaving a balance in Australia’s favour in that year of nearly £5,000,000. During the past three years Australia’s trade position had been well maintained, particularly in wool, wheat, flour, butter, other milk products and meat.