OUR FUTURE TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 243, 11 October 1916, Page 9

OUR FUTURE TRADE.

A WAKXIXG. In presenting the annual report oE the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, at a meeting held last evening, the president. Mr. E. J. Wilkinson, eaid:—"Seeing that the world is passing through the greatest crisis in 'history—when practically the whole civilised world is ; at war —it is not surprising that the com meree of our Empire is considerably disorganised. Commercially, we in Xew Zealand have . not felt the ill effects caused by war, beyond having to pay higher freights on imported goods, but that is more than compensated for by our increased exports, with vastly augmented values. AYe are really profiting by war, but while Xew Zealand is giving freely of her eons we are not open tG condemnation if eide by side with sacrifice we are reaping the reward of industry and our country's natural resources. The war is teaching us lessons that it is to be hoped will never be forgotten. We must never again trade-on liberal lines with a nation, while euoh trading operates against our Empire, and builds up armies and navies to be used a3 instruments for our destruction. Unfortunately, what we did so thoughtlessly with Germany we are now doing with other countries. But while British manufacturers are concentrating their energies on matter- connected with winning the war, there is no alternative but to deal in such markets as are ready to hand. However, when the war is ended if. is to be hoped that we shall organise our forces so'as to maintain and develop Fmpire trade, and not repeat the follj • ofrbuSdihgi.Tip oilier empires at the expense; of our own.- This is just .where institutions. .like our Chamber, of; Corn.; nrerce can assist in moulding- public opinion, and through their representatives create central bodies that shall watch over and foster trade within ,tbe Empire. The future is fraught with problems such as we have never had. before, and we can only hope that by the exercise of those qualities which have ever characterised the British race, we shall be enabled to. grapple with and find a solution to the many problem* that are bound to confront us in the near future. Before leaving the subject it seems fitting to acknowledge our gratitude to our Empire, which is fighting for liberty and. right, shows every prospect of emerging from the conflict victoriously, and though perhaps sadder and poorer; superior, and consequently better ahle to fulfil our undoubted deetiny."