MANY CONTACTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20273, 16 August 1937, Page 8

MANY CONTACTS

MINISTER ABROAD. QUEST FOR MARKETS. SOME POSSIBLE OUTLETS. (By Telegraph.—Special to Times.) AUCKLAND, Saturday. The comprehensive nature of the contacts made by tlie Minister of Marketing, tlie Hon. W. Nash, during his overseas tour was indicated in tlie statement lie made to the press today. While in London Mr Nash said he discussed with Dr. Z. Brodetzky, representing the Jewish agency for Palestine, the question of reciprocal trade between New Zealand and Palestine, with particular reference to the possibility of establishing in Palestine a market for New Zealand butter. At the same time consideration was given to the possibility of shipping citrus fruits from Palestine to New Zealand. On the evidence available it would seem that in the meantime there is little prospect, of developing this trade. On tlie one hand it is difficult for the high quality of New Zealand butter to compete with the cheaper butter imported from other countries, principally Baltic countries, while on the other hand there is difficulty in arranging for shipment of fruit from Palestine to New Zealand owing, it is stated, not only lo high freight rates but also to the problem of securing space on outbound steamers through this having already been fully taken up by loadings at United Kingdom ports. Mr Nash said his visit to the United States was made with ttie primary object of discussing with the Government of that country the question of trade between New Zealand and the United States, although opportunity was also taken to make contact with traders in New York handling New Zealand products. Prospects With U.S.A. The trade discussions were held at Washington and occupied the major portion of three days during which time Mr Nash had interviews with Mr Roosevelt, the President, and Mr Cordell Hull, Secretary of State as well as with the head of the Commerce Department. The whole position of trade between New Zealand and the United States was thoroughly explored and it is hoped that in due course it may be possible to enter into negotiations which will result in the conclusion of a trade agreement between tho two countries that will expand trade both ways, “There Is,” said Mr Nash, “a potential market in the United States for New Zealand primary products.” Following upon discussions which Mr Nash had at Ottawxa with tlie Hon. W. D. Euler, Canadian Minister of Trade and Commerce, while en route to England in November last arrangements were made by him to return via Canada in order that further discussions could take place on the subject of the trade agreement between New Zealand and Canada. Talks With Canadian Ministers. Mr Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada and Mr G. Dunning. Canadian Minister of Finance and Customs, were passengers with Mr Nash on Hie Empress or Britain and this presented an opportunity for useful talks on the subject. The iwo full days over which Mr Nash stayed at Ottawa were fully taken up with discussions between Mr Nash, Mr Euler and officials. Air Nash said that although he was not at the moment, in a position to give details he considered the results of the negotiations satisfactory and an announcement in connection therewith will be made at a later date. Relations With Holland. “The question of the negotiation of a trade agreement with the Netherlands has been under consideration.” said Mr Nash. ‘‘The balance of trade has been in favour of that country, figures of direct trade for 1936 being exports to Netherlands £111.009, imports from Netherlands £210,000. in addition.- imports, mainly oil, from tlie Dutch East Indies, amounted to £l,721.000. “New Zealand’s exports to the Netherlands comprise largely wool and ’ hides and skin,s, but a useful trade is also enjoyed in apples. Holland being not only a large consumer of apples hut also a distributing point for a • number of Continental countries," said the Minister. “Up to tho present ! New Zealand apples lo a limited quantity have been admitted into Holland on' the most favourable, terms, inelud- ; ing remission of a portion of the t monopoly lax. “As a result of a visit In Tlie Hague and negotiations with Dutch Ministers i tho negotiations will, it is hoped. . secure in due course a continuation and expansion of lid’s treatment, as > well as favourable treatment for other i products. Tho negotiations have ; reached a stage where conclusion of an . agreement can to* proceeded with subject to clarification of one or two minor points.” Three days spent in Panama awaiting tlie arrival cf the Mataroa were fully occupied in exploring the possibilities of increasing the sale of New Zealand goods both in the Panama Republic, and in tlie Canal Zone. Outlet in Central America. Discussions were held with Pnn--1 amaninn Ministers concerned with trade . and also with the principal traders inleresled in the purchase of New Zealand goods. Interviews were also had 1 wilti the Governor of the Gan.it Zone ’ and the commissary officials. These contacts proved most valuable and as 1 a result of Hie information exchanged ' it seems probable Hut an outlet can " I be found for increased quantities ”1 1 New Zealand products in those ler--1 particularly pleasing to note the hiuli • reputation enjoyed by New Zealand t |,n \ h,, fu'tl |- s "sing panama as a base for the sliip- - ineill of New Zealand produce h - Costa Hicu. 1 loiidiir.is. Trinidad ami 1 other countries with which trade i- [ (Continued in next column.)

restricted through lack of direct shipRhodesla and Brazil. The possibility or developing trade between New Zealand and Southern Rhodesia was gone into very closely wth tlie Controller of Customs for Southern Rhodesia, who was visiting London as a delegate to the Imperial Conference. New Zealand already enjoys a small trade with Rhodesia in a number of items, the chief of which are glaxo. hops, seeds and dairy appliances. There is little srop,. however. for the development of any material volume of trade with that Last \ear the Government of Brazil, in eonformil \ with their decision to denounce all' commercial treaties and to replace them l»v new treaties. Clive noliee of intention to dcnoHiiee 1t,,, agreement with \*w Zealand. whirli had I concluded by an e\ • rhange of notes in 1932 guaranteeing merit. a result of negotiaiions conducted ;nun London through His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio de Janeiro Mr Nash had arranged fol* a eoiilinualion of the existing position. New Zealand enjoys a fair trade with Brazil in apples, tin* tree entry of which is thus assured.