IMPERIAL CO-ORDINATION.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 212, 6 September 1924, Page 7

IMPERIAL CO-ORDINATION.

MR. ROBERTS , INITIATIVE. CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ACTION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, July 24. At the pavilion of the London Chamber of Commerce in the Exhibition an important step towards co-ordinating trade with the Dominions wae taken yesterday. The action was taken at the instance of the Dominion Commissioners at the Exhibition ■ and was largely due to Mr. Roberts energy. It was at the request of the committee that the meeting was convened by Mr. Machin, president of the Association of British Chambers, of Commerce. The scheme proposed by Mr. A. F. Roberts, the New Zealand Commissioner, and supported by Mr. Cosgrave, the Canadian Commissioner, was, in brief, that some central office should be established where there could be an exchange of information between the commissioners from the different parts of the Empire and representatives of British; trade. It was urged that the Exhibition afforded a unique opportunity to develop inter-Imperial commerce by exchanging information concerning the requirements, resources and products of every part of the Empire. An interesting discussion took place as to the best means of bringing about the object in view, with which everyone present was in full sympathy. Mr. Machin. who took the chair, declared i that the Association would do every- j thing in its power to give assistance. He thought that the London Chamber would probably be willing to grant the use of their conference room in the Ex- ; hibition for the purpose of holding meetings. Sir William Clarjc, ComptrollerGeneral of the department of overseas trade, expressed his willingness to do whatever was possible to help. Sir Algernon Firth said that the department of overseas trade possessed full informa-1 tion on many of the points raised, and j ■was prepared to answer inquiries. He I emphasised the importance of the heads of business firms making personal visits to the various markets of the Empire. Sir Lawrence Weaver, on behalf of the Exhibition authorities, said that if meetings of Commissioners were held, at which information was given of opportunities that existed for the sale of British goods abroad, he was quite sure that representatives of the exhibitors and of the trade association taking , part in the Exhibition would be glad to attend. He pointed out, however, that August was a bad month for inaugurating such a scheme, and suggested that it might be well to draw up plans now to put into operation in September and October. Ultimately, it was decided to form a committee to make the arrangement, and that in the first place efforts should be directed towards bringing the exhibitors into direct touch with the Dominion. Indian, and colonial representatives. The committee, with power to add tc its number was constituted as follows: Mr. A. F. Roberts (New Zealand), Mr. Cosgrave (Canada), Mr. A. Ciinham (South Africa), Mr. Palliser (Australia), Mr. Holm (East Africa). Mr. Vincent (India), Mr. W. Cradwick (West Indies), Mr. Goldsmith (West Africa), Mr. Glemny (Department of Overseas Trade), Sir Lawrence Weaver, Sir Algernon Firth, and the following representatives of Chambers of Commerce: Ur. Ree (Manchester). Mr. Field (Birmingham), Mr. Mitchell (Glasgow). Mr. Spencer (Bradford), Mr. Alton (Derby), and Mr. R. B. Dunwoody.