Trade and Commerce.

Manawatu Herald, 23 October 1902, Page 3

Trade and Commerce.

The energetic Mr John Holmes is in England in connection with his business and at the beginning of September he was at Newcastle, and was there interviewed. During the conversation the interviewer asked how, coming to the point, can trade be extended between New Zealand and Great Britain ?

“ There are many points that deserve consideration," replied Mr Holmes, “ but the first and foremost in my opinion is the establishment of direct representatives upon the spot who could canvass the various importers, proclaim the advantage of the several manufacturers’ goods they represent, and induce orders to be sent direct to the Mother Country. A personal application is worth sheaves of.* correspondence. In addition to that I think New Zealand would favourably consider the giving to British manufactures of a preferential tariff, and I believe if the general opinion were asked to- , day every importer would pronounce in favour of this proposal. There is, however, a point in which I think this country could materially- assist its manufacturers by subsidising its lines of steamers that trade to the British Colonies. I mean British ships, built in British yards, and manned by British seamen. Bach a subsidy would enable the British manufacturer to deliver his goods to the colonies (which ard ever increasing in their requirements) at such prices as would enable him to compete successfully With his foreign rivals, who now enjoy the privileges of subsidied lines of steamers. Take for instance, Germany, whose large steamers are* now trading to the Australasian Continent. They are able-to carry large, heavy goods, in fact, all classes of merchandise, at rates of freight from Hamburg that the London shipowners will not even consider, with the result that the German manufacturers are gaining a footing in English colonies.” Would this interfere with the Free Trade policy ? “ No, I think not. It was for this reason that I avoided reference to the change of fiscal policy in favour of Colonial products.” Proceeding in, answer to further inquiries, Mr 2Mmes said that the trade of New Zealand in exports was valued at over 13 million sterling, and 78 per cent, of it finds an outlet in the Mother Country. Mr Holmes, in conclusion, said he would be glad to supply any information to manufacturers and exporters which might enable them to extend their trade relations with Nev Zealand, and be added that,in the person of the Bight Hon. Richard John Seddon, Premier of the Colony, every British merchant and exporter had a personal friend who would do everything he could to give British merchants and exporters a substantial preference so far as the New Zealand Customs tariff is concerned.