RECORD TRADE SURPLUS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 167, 9 August 1909, Page 3

RECORD TRADE SURPLUS

OUR EXCESS OF EXPORTS. FIGURES THAT TALK. By Telegraph.—Press Association. . Pamerston N., Last Night. The Hon. T. Mackenzie passed through here to-day on his way to Moumahaki experimental farm. He was seen by a Manawatu Times reporter regarding the financial and political position. Mr. Mackenzie said the exports for the halfyear ended June 30th, 1908, were £lO,053,470, and the imports for the same period £8,292,948, showing an excess of exports; over imports of £1,760,522. The exports for the half-year ended Jun30th, 1009,, were. £12,292,444 and the imports £0,783,882, the excess 01 exports -over imports being This constitutes a record, the previous best increase being £3,889,310 in 11)00 for the whole year.

The effect of these figures sms been felt on banking to the extent of. nearly four millions. The money market, which had suffered from various causes, wis now relieved, and already money at reduced rates was available for all sound investments. Despite tile actions of some to decry the Government, lie coull Bay 'unhesitatingly that never before in the history of the Dominion had a firmer grasp been exercised by an Administra tion on the finances, or a keener scrutiny on expenditure. This was causing considerable unpopularity in some districts, and threats of dire consequences were heard, but he felt sure there was behind the Government -a quiet, solid, appreciate public, who watch carefully, and who, when tie right time comes, will show that they value what is being done, and realise the difficulties of the Gover.ment's work and its painful nature. Some said that so much public mon 'V had been spent that the dominion could not stand sound economy, and that a middle party was forming* who woulJ work off one party against another, and, in their words, " secure a share of the plums." Given a sound economic basis, and a Government devoting itself with singleness of purpose to the welfare ot Me dominion on practical, commonsense lines, there was no fear lor the future. It was hoped that the fruit industry would increase and that the flax trade would improve. There were great prospects in- the north for development in land settlement. Cereals would bulk largely in the exports, and if only fewer would flock to the cities we would se great results. The recent depression Lad done no permanent harm, and had made the people realise there must be a limit to public and private expenditure, and more self-reliance. Wellington, Last Night.

Following arc the values of tile prin cipal products exported during July last, as shown by the Customs returns, with fizures for July, 1908, for eomparison:B 1909 1008 Butter .. £15,605 £39,319 Cheese .. 13,004 3,577 Frown Beef.. 62,555 42,9al Mutton .. T4.603 94,518 Lamb .. 131,915 154,810 Wheat .. 140,920 30 Oats .. 121,942 13,613 Hemp .. 18,407 21,046