While Governments Debate

Radio Record, Volume XI, Issue 1, 10 July 1936, Page 23

While Governments Debate

~ Others Have To Keep Trade And Tourists Flowing Freely By ~ Hook Or By Crook

(Written for the

Radio Record

HILE governments debate with one another over the importation of wheat, potatoes, oranges and_ canary-seed, their representatives are busy in "the other countries" trying to keep pace with political- decisions and to smooth the way to satisfactory adjustments of trade and travel exchange. One of their number is Mr. R. H. Nesbitt, Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, who has just returned from 4 nine weeks’ "goodwill mission" in his own country. The idea appears to be that when one is in New Zealand one encourages New Zealanders to go to Australia and to trade with Australia.- And-while one is in Australia the main objective seems to be to induce Australians to visit and trade with New Zealand. Which is all very reciprocative and satisfactory. ,, Jn those nine- weeks Mr. Nesbitt travelled about 8000 miles, spending his time looking into matters of trade between Australia and the Dominion, particularly in Queensland and South Australia. Many New Zealanders are inclined to think unconsciously that Australia begins and ends with New South Wales and Victoria-or more particularly with Sydney and Melbourne. But there is plenty to see and know beyond these two sections of the Commonwealth. There is plenty of produce, too, beyond the

two most popular and populous states, which New Zealanders are glad enough to have when their governments make possible reasonable purchase prices. , Only last week I was shown some oranges which would cost no less than threepence each in New Zealand. ‘His friend had bought them in Adelaide for less than a penny each. Australia may, or-may not, be a fruit-growers’ para dise, but it rivals the Pacific Islands for popularity with fruit-eaters. Oranges, pineapples, grapes, apples, apricots ° and so on grow in abundance in the Hastern States of the Commonwealth, and if Mr. Nesbitt and his henchmen could ’ arrange for a cheap supply of at least the first two of’ these fruits they would earn the undying gratitude of thousands, The others mentioned are freely grown in ‘New ‘Zealand. However, the day may yet come. . May it be in our time, O Lord. oe ss Inquiry was also made by Mr. Nesbitt during his Visit into the latest facilities available for ‘tourists in the different states travelling from New Zealand in particular. Under the auspices of the Australian National Travel] As sociation it is hoped to inaugurate some distinctly attrac tive tours from New Zealand, covering the Eastern States of the Commonwealth. . ,