The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUSEDAY, APRIL 25, 1899.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 426, 25 April 1899, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. TUSEDAY, APRIL 25, 1899.

J The small proportion of tho imports of New South Wales which are drawn from New Zealand is indicative of a want of properly established commercial relations between the two colonies. A comparison of tho value of the staple products of New Zealand, when compared with that of similar products imported from other much luore remote countries, either shows that we cannot supply at as low a price or that our merchants have failed to recognise the possibilities of the trade between the two countries. As regards the raw products from tho soil, we do not believe that other countries can produce at a cheaper rate, but with regard to manufactures, it may be, and probably is the case, that the high rate of wages prevailing consequent on a high protection tariff shuts New Zealand out of tho market. I

We note that a Sydney firm has written to the Chambers of Commerce in this colony pointing out how inadequate is the trade with New Zealand, considering the loss distance, the fertility of the soil and certainty of the seasons. As a remedy, this firm proposes to establish a central depot for the exhibition of' New Zealand products, this to assume the shape of a commercial museum for samples of New Zealand produce only. The following figures strongly support the contention put forward.--During 1897 New South Wales imported fish, dried and preserved, to the value of £126,407 ; New Zealand only contributed £1032, against £45,337 by America and £56,380 by England. The value of American timber imported during the period was £117,133. New Zealand sent only £77,487 worth, in spite of the great difference in distance and freight. The United States and Canada sent flour to the value of £485,585; New Zealand sent £80,897. Of* wheat America and Canada contributed £180,840; New Zealand £62,730. Of a total value of blankets of £55,466, New Zealand's share was £723. Of dried and candied fruits, out of a total of £14,187, New Zealand sent £6 worth. Maize totalled £29,650, of which New Zealand sent £2,658 and America £7,610. The hay and chaff imported was valued at £213,466, of which New Zealand was responsible for £7,155001y. Of woollen goods only £SOOO out of a total of £471,043 came from New Zealand. Of £30,183 worth of preserved meats, New Zealand's quota is £1960 and America £6740. Notwithstanding that New Zealand's share of the gross imports is small, the total sent from here represents a considerable percentage of our exports outside wool and frozen meat. New Zealand should be able to produce many of the articles quoted at a much lower price than the countries from which they came, after adding of course the difference in freight. This matter, too, should be considered in connection with the federation question, some of the countries which it is to be hoped will be federated at an early date can export the same class of produce and goods as cheaply if not at a lower rate than we can, and will naturally claim an advantage over all countries not embraced by the federation, with the result that New Zealand's surplus will probably have to find a more distant market than Australia. With a federal protective duty and free trade between all the Australian colonies, it is a fair presumption that in a very short time Australia, except iu abnormally bad seasons, will produce enough of the products we export to supply her own wants. This is a branch of the question which has to be faced. By joining the federation our liberty might be somewhat curtailed. On the other hand, when once federation becomes a fact there will only be a demand for our products when the federal supply is exhausted.