DIRECT TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12628, 16 October 1905, Page 5

DIRECT TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA.

AN IMPORTANT MISSION.,, United Press Association.—Copyright Received October 15, &A5-jjJh.. \J;.., ;' ':;:/- :; ._ ; LONDON, OtAobmU.''

AU the Australian Agents-Genera.l paid a two-days' visit to Hull. Thby inspected • the docks and cold stores! They CDnfeiTed with the Chamber; oi Oommeree, leading importers and- ex- \ pcirtea^s a,nd railway officials, and discussed the question of direct trade with Australia.

The Agente-General were greatly impressed, especially at tli© lowness of the charges and .the great facilities' for the1 distribution of produoe in: manufacturing centres with a population of ten millions, where practically .little Australian produce 'has (hitherto, been sent.

Importers suggested. that the Commonwealth ought to subsidise a direct line. The Agents-General promreed to advise their Governments, and do all in their power to assist the establishment of trade, though the question of subsidies must be left entirely to the Governments.

Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce banquet, Mr Taverner- suggested that Hull should establish wool and fruit exchanges. The port was one <w(hich Australia ought to tap. Th© best way would be for th© Common wealth to subsidise a, line of steamers. H© would unhesitatingly advise the Victorian Go^ vernmeint fro act on these lines.

'Mi* Coghlan declared that the cheapness of charges for the manufacturing centres within reach, of Hull greatly favoured Hull in comparison with London. The extra charges paid in London over those of Hull were equivalent to lan export duty of five per cent ail round. He suggested the establishment of wool sales in Yorkshire, intermediate between th© London sales. • •