JAPAN'S TRADE BOOM.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1915, Page 7

JAPAN'S TRADE BOOM.

There are indications that there may be a shortage before long in cargo space available 011 the Japanese steamers trading from Japan to Australia. Cargoes for New Zealand 'by these vessels are transhipped at Sydney, and already some Auckland firms' agents in Japan havo reported that the shipping companies cannot guarantee freights for transhipment ports (states the Herald). Since Belgium has been devastated by war the output of glassware from that country has been reduced to a minimum, and in France and England the industry has been seriously affected. The Japanese are straining every nerve to secure some of the glassmaking trade, as well as the markets for chinaware, in Australasia. Owing to the demand for men in the firing line and to make war munitions, Doulton's, Limited, the wellknown makers of household and sanitary) ware, have notified their Sydney agents that export of the firm's goods from England may cease altogether before long, as over 70 per cent, of the employees have been called out for war purposes. Another industry which is being pushed forward in Japan is the making of wooden matches. Importers state that it is impossible now to buy Swedish matches, and as the wood cannot be titan from the lialtic to lingland, the manufacture h.._ -lmost ceased in that country too. Large shipments of Japanese matches have arrived in Auckland. It is expected that Japanese business people will use every effort to provide shipping space. From inquiries made it appears that space has been secured by Sydney linns for shipments to arrive up to November next. After that date nothing definite can he arranged. Substantial increases in freight charges iby the Japanese steamers have recently been made.