67

A.—4

■Question (c) : The Best Means of Promoting and Encouraging an Increase of Trade between New Zealand and the said Territories. Having dealt in detail with this question in our reports on the conditions of trade between New Zealand and the territories under review, we propose to confine ourselves to pointing out briefly various matters which in our opinion would encourage and increase the trade. Fiji. 1. An increase in the area under sugar-cane is of the utmost importance to New Zealand. 2. At present New Zealand purchases one-third of the green bananas exported from Fiji. Better shipping facilities would without doubt increase this trade ; but in considering this question one must not overlook the fact that New Zealand is the only market open to the Cook Islands banana trade ; neither should it be forgotten that great development is possible in the fruit trade between Samoa and New Zealand. Fijian mandarins are not permitted to enter New Zealand. This bar should be thoroughly investigated. 3. The fact that New Zealand's export trade to Fiji is out of all proportion to the import trade from Fiji should receive the earnest consideration of your Government. Last year New Zealand sold to Fiji goods to the value of £151,662, and purchased goods to the value of £882,574 ; whereas Australia, on the other hand, sold to Fiji goods to the value of £536,974, and purchased from Fiji goods to the value of only £110.444. The exports to Fiji from New Zealand should and could be materially increased. Tonga. 1. Direct shipping facilities between New Zealand and Tonga would materially benefit both inward and outward trade. The question of admitting Vavau oranges to New Zealand should receive consideration. 2. It is claimed by Tongan officials that the opening of a branch of one of the New Zealand banks would have a beneficial effect on trade generally. 3. Alterations to the Awanui Wireless Station, so that messages might be received direct from Nukualofa instead of via Fiji, would doubtless assist in stimulating trade. 4. With a view to future fruit-trade developments it might be possible to make a more satisfactory tariff arrangement with the Tongan Government for goods wholly or partially manufactured in New Zealand. 5. The fact that imports to Tonga from New Zealand have decreased during the past few years calls for earnest consideration. Samoa. 1. The importance of dealing with the labour question is vital. 2. An improvement in the present shipping arrangements is necessary. 3. The greatest care should be exercised in the selection of medical officers in so far as it concerns the preservation of young life, for according to the rise or fall of the Native population trade will be affected. 4. The teaching of agricultural subjects in State schools should be emphasized. 5. The question of the formation of a tropical section of the New Zealand Agricultural Department having jurisdiction, through the Administrator, over the agricultural experts in Samoa is worthy of consideration. 6. A strict enforcement of the regulation in regard to keeping all plantations clean and free from weeds is essential. 7. The time in Samoa should be made to coincide with that of New Zealand. 8. If it is possible under the mandate, some concession in the matter of import duties should be made to goods manufactured entirely or largely mi New Zealand, and an increased duty should be placed on copra exported to non-British countries. 9. The importance of the Samoan trade should be brought before New Zealand merchants and manufacturers.