OUR IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1512, 14 March 1882, Page 3

OUR IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADE.

♦ Ix an official gazette appear the tabulated statements of the nature ami value of imports and cxpoits at the several ports of New Zealand during the quarter ended 31st December, 18S1, together with the nature and values for the corresponding quarter of 1880, and also a comparatn c .statement of the total values of the imports and exports of the colony during the yeais 1880 and 1881 respectively. Taking the last first, we find that the imports of New Zealand for the year just completed amount to £7,457,04.5, against £6,162,011 for the year 1880, the increase shown being £1,295,034. The exports for 1881 arc given as £6,060,866, against £0,:),")2,G92 foi ISBO, thus showing that our outgoings have fallen oft' to the extent of £231,826, A year ago it was noticeable that for the first time in the history of the colony the value of our exports exceeded that of our imports ; it will now be observed that the imports have resumed thier prepondermice to the extent of about a million and a half. Are we to regard this alteiation with satisfaction, or the reverse ? Before we answer, let us consider some of the causes which have conduced to the change. With regard to the imports, the increase is spread over all the principal ports, Dunedin showing the largest jump, namely, £643,304, and Auckland the next largest of about £200,000. Lyttelton puts on £145,000, Wellington about £70,000, Invoreavgill and "the Bluff £40,000, Tinwu £34,009, Oamaru £22,000, New Plymounth £16,500, and Poverty Bay £7,400, It is evident from this that the total increase is due to no exceptional or local demand, and with the lesson taught by the crisis of 1879 still so fresh in our memories, there can be no fear of over-trading having anything to do with it. We think, therefore, that we are safe in concluding that the true cause will be found in the steady improvement of trade all over the colony consequent upon a renewal of commercial confidence, and the rapid increase in our population, evidenced by the census. Now with regard to the decline of the exports. The ports which show the greutefat falling off are Wellington, £156,000 ; Dunedin, £115,000 ; Hokitika, £100,000 ; Napier, £95,000, and Lyttelton, £78,000. The ports which show substantial increabe are Auckland, £55,000; Timaru, £95,009; Oamaru, £84,000 ; Poverty Bay, which has sprung from £1,302 to £20,284, and Nelson, which, although it still shows the insignificant return of £8455, has doubted its figures of 1880. In the returns of the quantity and value of the exports, we have no details for the whole year, but judging from the particulars given for the quarter, and also from the nature of the exports at the porte which show the greatest falling-off, it would appear that wool and gold are the items which represent the bulk of the deficiency. Thus we find that the export of gold during the last quarter of 1881 amounts to 72,0040z5., valued at £287,762, against an amount valued at £346,679 for the corresponding quarter of 1880, the decline being over £50,000, or at the rate of £200,000 for the year. Wool, again, shows a decline on the two quarters of L 92,000, the resEective totals being L 995,258 and i 903,730. Our first feeling in contemplating these figures must be regret that they do not stand the other way ; but on reflection we may fiud some consolation in the facts that while the output of gold is so notoriously fickle that the very jiext quarter may show a much more satisfactory return, the decline in the ex*

port of wool is partially accounted for by the increased consumption for manufacturing purposes in the colony. The woollen factories at, Mosgiel and Kaiapoi are now extensive purchasers in the southern markets, and quite recently both mills have largely extended their operations. Up to the present New Zealand has not been a manufacturing country, and the amount of her exports of raw produce has been the principal index of her progress. Now that factories are springing up all over the colony, much of this produce will be utilised by ourselves, and although it will not appear in the Customs returns, will have to be taken into account in any estimate of our advancing prosperity. It will remain for the next generation to show any considerable exportation of manufactured goods. If while our manufactures are developing our exports and imports still continue to increase, it will be an indication that settlement is progressing, and that trade is in a healthy condition. Taking all things into consideration we see no reason for disappointment at the aspect of our affairs as shown by the returns which now lie before us. — IT. Z> Industrial Gazette.